John Bolton, former Trump national security adviser, pleads guilty to retaining classified information
The plea deal could let Bolton avoid prison, with prosecutors recommending no more than 5 years and a $2.25 million fine.
- On Friday, John Bolton pleaded guilty in Greenbelt, Maryland, to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a Justice Department deal that could allow him to avoid prison.
- FBI agents searched Bolton's Maryland home and Washington office last August, with the investigation beginning before President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
- Charged last Oct with 18 counts of retaining classified information, Bolton allegedly shared notes with relatives; prosecutors said a relative wrote, "Shhhhh," in response to one document.
- District Judge Theodore Chuang scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, with the plea agreement recommending a five-year prison cap; Bolton can withdraw his plea if fines exceed $2.25 million.
- After serving in the first administration, Bolton became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, publishing a book, "The Room Where it Happened," which Trump called "crazy.
135 Articles
135 Articles
Trump adviser-turned-critic John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents
Mr. Bolton is accused of sharing sensitive information with two relatives for possible use in a memoir he was writing, including notes on intelligence briefings and meetings with senior government officials and foreign leaders
Washington, 26 Jun (EFE).- John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to Donald Trump and his critic today, backed back and pleaded guilty this Friday in a case of improper handling of classified information, after concluding an agreement with the Attorney General's Office that reduces the number of charges and reduces his potential time in prison. Bolton was asked in a federal court in the state of Maryland if he was guilty of the crime of i…
The foreign policy expert would have transcribed classified information, government secrets and private conversations he had heard, which he shared with two relatives who helped him prepare a book of memoirs published in 2020.
Payment of a high fine of almost two million euros. No prison sentence.
Trump's security adviser has admitted to having withheld secret information in court, and he agreed to a high fine with the prosecutor's office.
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