John Bolton, who previously served as National Security Adviser under President Trump, has pleaded not guilty to a string of federal charges related to alleged mishandling of classified documents. The formal plea took place at a federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Bolton is confronting a significant legal challenge, facing 18 charges in total. These encompass eight counts of transmitting sensitive national defense information and ten counts of illegally keeping such classified materials. A conviction on all counts could lead to a maximum of life imprisonment, as each charge carries a potential ten-year sentence.
This indictment follows an extensive investigation, during which FBI agents searched Bolton’s Maryland residence, confiscating digital storage devices and paper documents. The formal charges detail accusations that Bolton misused his authority by disclosing classified materials, some marked ‘Top Secret/SCI,’ to individuals outside of authorized channels, believed to be relatives. Furthermore, he is accused of keeping and subsequently digitizing handwritten notes and records pertinent to national defense.
Some analysts suggest that these legal actions against a known critic of former President Trump might be politically influenced. Additionally, the indictment hints at a potential security breach, indicating that a hacker associated with the Iranian government may have gained access to some of the classified information Bolton possessed.
Bolton has been released after his plea and is expected back in court on November 21 for further proceedings.