The former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, has been charged with 18 counts related to the mishandling of classified information under the Espionage Act. A federal grand jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, returned the indictment, which includes eight counts of transmitting national defense information (NDI) and 10 counts of unlawful retention of NDI.
The charges allege that Bolton used personal email accounts, including an AOL address, to share sensitive documents classified as high as Top Secret. These materials reportedly included intelligence about potential attacks, foreign adversaries, and diplomatic relations. Additionally, investigators claim Bolton retained classified documents at his Maryland residence, some of which detailed information on adversarial leaders and intelligence-gathering methods.
If convicted, Bolton faces up to 10 years in prison for each count. The case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office, with prosecutors including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sullivan and Robert Goldaris, along with trial attorneys from the National Security Division.
The indictment comes after a search of Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office in August 2023. Federal agents reportedly uncovered evidence linking him to the unauthorized handling of classified materials. A probable cause warrant revealed that some communications on his AOL account were exposed to foreign hackers, though the timeline of the investigation remains unclear.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland emphasized its commitment to holding individuals accountable for endangering national security. “Keeping Americans safe always has been, and always will be, the top priority,” stated U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. FBI Director Kash Patel noted the agency’s dedication to protecting classified information, stating that those entrusted with such data have a duty to safeguard it.
Bolton, 76, served as Trump’s national security adviser from April 2018 until his dismissal in September 2019. Upon leaving office, he claimed to have no classified documents or notes in his possession. The case now proceeds to a federal district court, where a judge will determine sentencing based on legal guidelines.
An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
