Federal police arrested Jack Teixeira in April 2023, a few days after the distribution of secret documents, particularly on the war in Ukraine.
Published on 03/05/2024 08:58 Updated on 03/05/2024 09:52
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Matt Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, speaks during a press conference after Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty, March 4, 2024, in Boston, USA. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP)
A young American soldier arrested in 2023 for leaking confidential defense documents pleaded guilty on Monday, March 4, sealing a 16-year prison deal in exchange for dropping the most serious espionage prosecution. The secret documents revealed US intelligence concerns about the feasibility of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. They also suggested that Washington was gathering information about its closest partners, particularly Israel and South Korea.
Jack Teixeira, who was hired as an IT and communications specialist, had published this confidential information in a discussion group on the Discord platform. They then spread to other social networks. The Federal Police (FBI) arrested him on April 13, 2023, outside his family home in Dighton, south of Boston, a few days after the revelations of these leaks in the American press.
A deal that allows him to avoid a life sentence
Jack Teixeira, 22, appeared in federal court in Boston wearing an orange prisoner's outfit. He admitted to disseminating information related to American national defense, but prosecutors will not charge him with espionage, which could have brought him a life sentence. “Mr. Teixeira callously disregarded the national security of the United States and betrayed the solemn oath he swore to protect his country and the trust of the American people,” the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement. Judge will be Deputy Minister Matthew Olsen.
The Air Force National Guard recruit avoided criminal charges through a court agreement. On the other hand, he is sentenced by a judge to 16 years and eight months in prison and a fine of $50,000 and must help intelligence officials understand how the leak was possible.
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