Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has asserted his innocence, pleading not guilty to federal charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified national defense information. The plea was entered on Friday at a federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, following Bolton’s surrender.
The indictment, which unsealed on Thursday, details 18 charges against Bolton. These charges include eight counts of transmitting national defense information and ten counts of unlawfully retaining such materials. The prosecution alleges that Bolton improperly shared classified documents, some designated “Top Secret/SCI,” with individuals who lacked the necessary security clearance, reportedly family members. He is also accused of retaining and later digitizing notes and records pertaining to national defense.
This legal action stems from an investigation that involved an FBI search of Bolton’s Maryland residence in August, where electronic devices and boxes of documents were confiscated. Bolton, who served in prominent positions under four Republican presidents, including as National Security Adviser to Donald Trump, now faces a potentially severe legal penalty. Each charge carries a maximum of ten years imprisonment, meaning a conviction on all counts could result in a life sentence.
An intriguing aspect of the indictment is the claim that Bolton may have been targeted by an Iranian government-linked hacker who potentially accessed some of the sensitive information in his possession. Following his court appearance and plea, Bolton was released. His next court appearance is set for November 21.
This case is notable, occurring within a context of heightened legal scrutiny on former officials and critics.