John Bolton, a former high-ranking U.S. official and National Security Adviser, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges involving the alleged mishandling of classified information. He appeared before a federal judge in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Friday to enter his plea after surrendering to authorities.
The indictment, unsealed recently, outlines serious allegations against Bolton, including the unlawful retention and transmission of national defense information. He faces a total of 18 counts, with prosecutors alleging that he shared over a thousand pages of classified documents, some of the highest classification levels, with individuals not authorized to access them, reportedly close family members. Furthermore, he is accused of keeping and digitizing handwritten notes related to national defense.
The investigation intensified earlier this year with an FBI raid on Bolton’s home, where hard drives and numerous documents were seized. Bolton’s extensive career includes service in several Republican administrations, culminating in his role as National Security Adviser to President Trump. The potential consequences for Bolton are significant, as each of the 18 charges carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, potentially leading to a life sentence if convicted across the board.
Adding a layer of intrigue, the indictment suggests Bolton may have been targeted by a hacker connected to the Iranian government, potentially compromising some of the sensitive materials. After his arraignment, Bolton was released from custody. His next court date is scheduled for November 21.
This legal development is significant and is being closely monitored by political observers, with some questioning the timing and potential motivations behind the charges.