John Bolton, former National Security Adviser under President Trump, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging the mishandling of classified documents. He appeared at a courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Friday to formally enter his plea after turning himself in.
The indictment, unsealed earlier this week, outlines a significant number of charges against Bolton. He is facing 18 counts in total, which include accusations of unlawfully retaining national defense information and transmitting classified data to unauthorized individuals. The investigation leading to these charges gained momentum after FBI agents conducted a search of Bolton’s home in August, seizing computers and numerous documents.
Bolton, a veteran of multiple Republican administrations, has a long history of public service, including roles as UN Ambassador and Assistant Attorney General. The indictment specifies that Bolton is accused of sharing over a thousand pages of highly sensitive material, some marked “Top Secret/SCI,” with two individuals believed to be close relatives. He is also alleged to have unlawfully kept and later digitized handwritten notes related to national defense.
Further complicating the case, a report suggests that Bolton may have been a target of a cyberattack by a hacker linked to the Iranian government, who might have accessed some of the classified information in his possession. If convicted on all 18 counts, which carry potential prison sentences of up to ten years each, Bolton could face a life sentence.
After his arraignment, Bolton was released pending further proceedings. His next court date is scheduled for November 21. This development follows a period of increased legal scrutiny on individuals who have been critical of past US administrations.