Ex-Trump adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents

4 hours ago

John Bolton, former Trump national security adviser, pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information.
He was indicted on 18 counts, initially pleaded not guilty, then admitted to one charge of illegal retention of classified documents.
Bolton faces up to five years in prison, a $2.25 million fine, debriefing officials, and 100 hours of community service.
The mishandling involved diary entries with top secret information sent to family members and included in his 2020 memoir.
A White House lawsuit to block the book failed, leading to a Justice Department investigation into classified information disclosure.
Bolton has been critical of Trump, who called him a "sleazebag" and suggested he go to jail.
The case is rare for high-ranking officials but highlights challenges in prosecuting classified information mishandling.
Bolton's plea deal avoided further release of classified information to prevent damage to national security.

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