Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton has formally denied all charges laid against him in a federal indictment concerning the alleged mishandling of classified national defense information. He entered his plea at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The indictment outlines 18 separate charges against Bolton. These include eight felony counts for transmitting national defense information and ten felony counts for unlawfully retaining these sensitive documents. The severity of the charges means Bolton could face extensive prison time, potentially up to life, if found guilty of all allegations.
The investigation that led to the indictment involved a search of Bolton’s home, where agents reportedly seized electronic devices and physical documents. According to the unsealed indictment, Bolton is accused of sharing over a thousand pages of classified information, including highly sensitive ‘Top Secret/SCI’ materials, with individuals not cleared to receive them, reportedly family members. He is also alleged to have retained and later digitized handwritten notes and other records related to national defense.
The timing and nature of the charges have led to speculation among observers that they could be politically motivated, particularly given Bolton’s public criticisms of former President Trump. The legal documents also raise concerns about cybersecurity, noting that a hacker connected to the Iranian government may have compromised some of the classified materials Bolton held.
Bolton was released following his arraignment and his next court date is set for November 21.