Sharing Classified National Defense Information: Federal Charges in Florida

In today’s heated geopolitical climate, countries around the world are cracking down on anyone who leaks military secrets. In June of 2024, China charged two former generals with various corruption and bribery charges. In May of that year, Russia took similar steps against high-ranking military officials accused of bribery. Opposing nations are trying to eliminate corruption from their ranks in preparation for a major potential conflict – and the United States is certainly participating in these “purges.” If you were accused of leaking national defense information, you could face serious federal charges in Fort Myers.

Florida Man Faces 90 Years in Prison for Transmitting Classified Defense Info 

In June of 2024, the Department of Justice announced that a man from Florida was facing up to 90 years behind bars for transmitting classified defense information. Described as an “Air Force veteran,” this 68-year-old reportedly sent information pertaining to American aircraft and weaponry to “people not authorized to access the information.”

It is likely that this individual retained his security clearance after leaving the Air Force and subsequently used it to access the classified information. One source suggests that this individual was a “developmental engineer,” implying he may have played a role in developing many current US weapons systems.

Perhaps most notably, there was no mention of who received these classified files. This might have been an average person without a security clearance, or it could have been “the enemy” (perhaps Russia or China). The defendant faces nine separate counts of “unauthorized possession and transmission of classified national defense information,” and each count carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

The United States Is Clearly Cracking Down on National Defense Leaks 

This is the latest in a trend of defense leak crackdowns. In March of 2024, another Air Force employee leaked “secret national defense information” to a woman claiming to be a Ukrainian. The pair had met on an online dating app, and it seems as though the woman somehow convinced the Air Force lieutenant colonel to act as her “secret agent.” He willingly shared information about military targets and data related to Russia, assumedly in connection with the Ukraine war.

Although this was never explicitly stated, the woman could have been a Russian spy – and she may not have been a woman at all. This defendant faces well over 30 years in prison.

Another recent crackdown came later in March, with an Air National Guard member pleading guilty to leaking classified military documents. This individual admitted to sharing the national defense documents on Discord, a popular messaging platform for gamers. He faces six counts of transmitting national defense information and many decades behind bars.

It is worth noting that all of these individuals are facing charges under the Espionage Act, a federal law that has been used to crack down on numerous military service members, politicians, and journalists. Perhaps the most famous person to face charges under the Espionage Act is Julian Assange, who recently pleaded guilty in exchange for time served.

Find an Experienced Federal Crime Lawyer in Fort Myers 

If you’ve been searching for a Fort Myers federal criminal defense lawyer, look no further than The Foley & Wilson Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants strive for positive results – including those facing federal charges. We know how daunting these charges can be – especially during times of heightened geopolitical tension. Contact us at your earliest convenience to book a consultation and discuss potential defense strategies.

Sources: 

justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/local-air-force-veteran-arrested-disclosing-sensitive-information-related-national

nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_133127.htm

voanews.com/a/massachusetts-air-national-guard-member-jack-teixeira-pleads-guilty-to-leaking-military-secrets-/7513183.html

npr.org/2024/03/05/1235972358/air-force-employee-indictment-classified-info-doj-russia-ukraine