DENVER -- An Army soldier who deserted his unit and fled to Canada has been deported and is now back in El Paso County.

Authorities said Robin Long, 25, arrived Friday night and was booked into the El Paso County Jail. He is being held on a military confinement order, reported the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Long was transferred to Fort Carson in April 2005 after basic training. He left the Army post after learning he was to report to Iraq with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team 2nd Infantry.

He applied for refugee status in Canada, was rejected, and deported to the U.S. on Tuesday.

A Fort Carson spokeswoman said the soldier will be evaluated before the post decides on what action to take. That could include rehabilitation, discharge, return to service or punishment.

The maximum punishment for deserting military service is death, the newspaper reported.