How did the Abu Ghraib abuse scandal become known and what was the immediate result?

The Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal broke when First Specialist Joseph Darby received a disk from one of the main MP abusers, Lt. Graner.  Darby realized the disk was full of photographs depicting abuse of prisoners and turned it over to Army Investigators (CID).  An internal investigation began and amnesty boxes were set up for MPs and soldiers to turn in any photographs or videos that they may have had.

Graner beating prisoners

Investigations concluded that Specialist Charles A. Graner, Jr. led an "Animal House" atmosphere on the night shift.  He and a few others are shown in numerous photos abusing prisoners but it does not appear the entire 372nd Military Police Company was in on the torture.  The liberal news media and Bush haters everywhere used the criminal actions of a few bad apples to criticize the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq.

Janis Karpinski

Brigadier General Janis Karpinski was the only ranking official to face punishment for the abuse and was demoted and retired a colonel in the US Army Reserve.  Specialist Charles A. Graner, Jr. received the longest sentence among the abusers.  He was sentenced to ten years in prison.