Former national security adviser John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he unlawfully retained sensitive national security information. This marks a rare win in the Justice Department’s list of prosecutions against the president’s political enemies.
Background of the Case
Bolton’s plea deal amounts to one felony count that could result in prison time. The maximum sentence for the charge is five years. He has also agreed to pay a fine of more than $2 million.
The case against Bolton was investigated by federal prosecutors in Maryland, led by US Attorney Kelly Hayes. Hayes’ approach and the Bolton case itself are viewed more seriously than the indictments and investigations of others who have faced federal charges at the urging of former President Donald Trump.
Investigation and Plea Agreement
Bolton was accused of sending summaries and notes that included classified information to himself and to his immediate family. His email account was hacked by Iranians, and the FBI and national security lawyers in Maryland and Justice Department headquarters formally opened an investigation in 2022.
As part of his plea agreement, Bolton will admit to only a sliver of what federal law enforcement investigated. The plea agreement is narrowly focused on the information he is accused of sending to his wife and daughter.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
