A federal grand jury has indicted former National Security Advisor John Bolton, 76, of Bethesda, Maryland, on charges related to the mishandling of classified information. The indictment includes eight counts of transmission of national defense information (NDI) and 10 counts of unlawful retention of NDI.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “There is one tier of justice for all Americans. Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the investigation: “The FBI’s investigation revealed that John Bolton allegedly transmitted top secret information using personal online accounts and retained said documents in his house in direct violation of federal law. The case was based on meticulous work from dedicated career professionals at the FBI who followed the facts without fear or favor. Weaponization of justice will not be tolerated, and this FBI will stop at nothing to bring to justice anyone who threatens our national security.”
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland added, “Keeping Americans safe always has been, and always will be, the top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. If anyone endangers our national security, we’re committed to holding them accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office stated, “The FBI is committed to protecting classified information to keep Americans safe. Anyone entrusted with this knowledge takes an oath and has a duty to safeguard it. The charges alleged in this indictment demonstrate there will be consequences for those who violate this responsibility.”
According to the indictment, Bolton is accused of transmitting NDI by using personal email and messaging applications to send sensitive documents classified up to Top Secret level. These documents reportedly included intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign-policy relations.
The indictment further alleges that Bolton kept NDI documents at his home containing intelligence about foreign leaders as well as details revealing sources and methods used to gather statements about a foreign adversary.
If convicted on all counts, Bolton could face up to 10 years in prison per count for both unlawful retention and transmission of NDI offenses. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge following consideration of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office. Prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sullivan and Robert Goldaris for the District of Maryland; Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and S. Derek Shugert from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section; and Trial Attorney Tanner Kroeger from the National Security Division’s NatSec Cyber Section.
An indictment represents only an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
