Prosecutors are seeking a nearly 17-year prison sentence for a Massachusetts Air National Guard member who pleaded guilty to leaking highly classified military documents related to the war in Ukraine. The defendant, referred to as Jack Teixeira, has been described by prosecutors as perpetrating one of the most significant violations of the Espionage Act in American history.
According to court documents, Teixeira, who is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, violated his oath as a member of the United States Armed Forces and a clearance holder by sharing sensitive information over a period of more than a year. His defense team is advocating for an 11-year prison term, acknowledging his wrongdoing and expressing his readiness to accept the consequences of his actions.
Teixeira, a 22-year-old from North Dighton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act. He admitted to collecting classified information and sharing it on the social media platform Discord.
While the defense highlighted Teixeira's autism diagnosis and his intent to educate his friends about world events rather than harm the United States, prosecutors argued that his actions were deliberate and put lives at risk. The security breach caused concern about the protection of classified information and prompted the Pentagon to enhance security measures.
Teixeira, who worked as a cyber transport systems specialist, remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status. Authorities discovered classified documents and electronic devices with smashed components at his residence following his arrest.
The leaked information included details about Russia's involvement in the war in Ukraine, troop movements, and plans to harm U.S. forces abroad. The incident raised diplomatic and military challenges for the Biden administration and led to disciplinary actions within the military.
