John Bolton Surrenders on Charges of Mishandling Classified Information

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton surrendered Friday in Greenbelt, Maryland, facing federal charges of mishandling classified information. Bolton, a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump, was indicted Thursday for allegedly sharing sensitive intelligence with relatives for use in a book. He is expected to appear in court later in the day to address the charges.

The indictment accuses Bolton of transmitting and retaining national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act, with eight counts of transmission and ten counts of retention. Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Prosecutors allege he shared notes from intelligence briefings and meetings with senior officials and foreign leaders with his wife and daughter, whom he referred to as his “editors.” Bolton’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, denied any unlawful handling of information.

Bolton, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has publicly criticized Trump and described him as unfit for office. He stated that he looks forward to defending his lawful conduct and exposing what he sees as Trump’s abuse of power. The case, opened in 2022, predates the Trump administration and is seen within the Justice Department as stronger than other recent prosecutions of Trump critics.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright