An Army private who deserted her post more than a decade ago was arrested Monday after boarding a cruise ship in New Orleans, police said.

Pvt. Sircaria Coleman initially abandoned her post at Fort Carson, Colorado, in November 2005, according to a Fort Carson spokesperson.

The private was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Coleman was arrested in Louisiana in 2012 on unspecified allegations and posted bond but didn’t return to her post at Fort Carson. Months later, the Army issued a warrant for her arrest on a charge of military desertion, the New Orleans Advocate reported.

Coleman had boarded the Carnival Triumph cruise ship on Monday, and when U.S. Customs and Border Protection performed a check of all passengers on the ship, they discovered Coleman was wanted for desertion, the Port of New Orleans Harbor Police told Army Times.

CBP notified Harbor Police, who removed Coleman from the ship without incident, port spokesman Donnell Jackson said.

Coleman was taken to the Inmate Processing Center in Orleans Parish, where she is awaiting extradition, he said.

She will be taken back to Fort Carson, the spokesperson said.

Desertion from the military is punishable by up to five years in prison, but during time of war can be more severe.

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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