Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, Jack Teixeira, admitted to being the source of one of the most significant breaches of national defense secrets in recent years and agreed to a potential 16-year prison sentence, the longest in an unlawful retention case. Teixeira, 22, acknowledged his guilt in accessing and sharing hundreds of classified documents, which he posted on Discord before his arrest in April.
During a hearing in a Boston federal court, Teixeira entered a plea agreement in which he admitted to all six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. The prosecution agreed not to press additional charges under the Espionage Act. Teixeira’s sentencing is scheduled for September 27, where he could face up to 16 years in prison. Despite holding a low-level job in the Air National Guard that did not require access to classified information, Teixeira actively sought out and shared sensitive materials, including details about U.S. troop movements and foreign attacks on American forces.
As part of his plea deal, Teixeira must undergo a debrief with the Defense Department and the Justice Department, as well as surrender any remaining classified materials in his possession. While still on active duty in the Air Force, Teixeira may face additional military charges following the conclusion of his civilian case. The severity of his actions underscores the potential consequences of mishandling classified information, despite warnings from superiors to cease his unauthorized disclosures.
