Former Trump Adviser John Bolton Pleads Guilty in Classified Documents Case

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Washington: Former US national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified information, admitting that he kept sensitive national security records, including top secret material, after leaving government service.

Bolton, a former adviser to President Donald Trump and later one of his most prominent critics, had originally faced 18 charges related to the mishandling of classified information. Under a plea agreement, he admitted to one count of illegal retention of classified information.

Prosecutors said Bolton retained diary entries containing classified national defence information and shared some of the material with family members. He faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, perform 100 hours of community service and cooperate with national security officials reviewing the documents.

During the court hearing, Bolton acknowledged the allegations and expressed regret for his actions. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28.

US prosecutors said Bolton, who had extensive experience handling classified information, understood the risks posed by retaining and sharing sensitive material. His lawyer said Bolton accepted responsibility in order to avoid a lengthy legal battle that could have exposed additional classified information.

Bolton served as national security adviser during President Trump's first term before being dismissed in 2019. His 2020 memoir detailing his time in the White House prompted a long-running dispute with the US government over the handling of classified information.

Pic Credit: AFP