United States v. Bolton

Overview

A Maryland grand jury indicted former National Security Advisor John Bolton on 18 counts of unlawfully retaining and transmitting classified material.

Issue

Whether the defendant unlawfully retained and transmitted classified national defense information in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 793(e) and related statutes.

Rule

Under the Espionage Act, 18 U.S.C. § 793(e), it is unlawful to willfully retain national defense information and fail to deliver it to proper authorities, or to knowingly transmit such information to unauthorized persons.

Analysis

Bolton, as former National Security Advisor with authorized access to classified material, allegedly retained such documents after leaving office and transmitted them to unauthorized recipients, satisfying the willful retention and transmission elements.

Conclusion

On June 26, Bolton agreed to plead guilty to one count. He will forego his government retirement. While many details are not shared with the public, it appears he discussed matters with his wife and daughter who did not appear to share it with anyone else.

News Update

**United States v. John Bolton (Indictment of Fmr National Security Advisor)**

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71668443/81/united-states-v-bolton/?redirect_or_modal=True