Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, who was tried in the US for leaking classified military documents related to the Ukraine war, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The US soldier had top-secret security clearances despite being a junior. Officials reported that the documents appeared to have been obtained by someone who accessed the US intelligence system, and that some of the content was not even shared with the closest US intelligence partners. The Air Force referred 15 personnel in connection with the incident to a disciplinary board in December of last year.
A verdict has been reached in the US military documents leak case.
Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for leaking classified military documents related to the Ukraine war.
Prosecutors said Teixeira’s actions put the country’s national security at risk, endangered other members of the military and damaged U.S. relations with allies.
Speaking just before the verdict, Teixeira said, “I want to say that I am sorry for any harm I have caused. I understand that all responsibility and consequences fall solely on my shoulders, and I accept all that entails.”
“HE CAUSED EXTREMELY SEVERE DAMAGE” Massachusetts Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement after the verdict, “Today, Teixeira paid a very heavy price for the laws he broke and the incredible harm he caused. This significant sentence sends a strong message to every individual who holds top-secret clearance. “Anyone who knowingly threatens our national security by illegally disseminating classified information will face very serious consequences,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division. “This former Air National Guardsman heinously betrayed the oath he took to our country to satisfy his ego and impress his friends. The devastating damage he caused will impact our national security for years to come.” CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT LEAK
Jack Teixeira, who was serving at Otis Air National Guard Base in Boston, pleaded guilty to 6 charges under the Espionage Act in March regarding knowingly concealing and sharing national defense information.
Authorities stated that the documents appeared to have been obtained and leaked by someone who had access to the US intelligence system, and that there were indications that some of the content had not been shared even with the closest US intelligence partners.
Among the documents leaked to the internet on April 7 were classified documents about the Russia-Ukraine war, the operations of the Russian-based mercenary company Wagner in Africa, the ways Israel provided arms aid to Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s ties with Russia.
15 PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT ON THE DISCIPLINARY BOARD Teixeira had a top-secret security clearance despite being a junior. The Air Force referred 15 personnel to a disciplinary board in December of last year over the incident.
A report released as part of the investigation said the personnel were aware of Texiera’s “intelligence-seeking activities” and did not stop him.
