In a highly-publicized case of intelligence leaks, a 22-year-old Air National Guard member, Jack Teixeira, has pleaded guilty to posting classified documents online. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of up to 16 years and eight months in prison for Teixeira. The leaked documents, which included maps, satellite images, and intelligence on US allies, were shared on Discord, a popular platform among gamers.

Teixeira, who worked at an Air National Guard base near Boston, pleaded guilty to six counts of wilful retention and transmission of national defense information at a US federal court. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, but as part of a plea deal, prosecutors have agreed to ask for a 200-month (16 years and eight months) prison term, which Teixeira has accepted.

In addition to the prison sentence, Teixeira will also be fined $50,000 (£39,000). The leak initially began in late 2022 when Teixeira shared classified information with a small community of gun and military enthusiasts on a Discord server. Expressing frustration at his online friends' lack of recognition of the documents' significance, the information was soon reposted on more public channels, eventually spreading to fringe message boards and larger social media networks.

The leaked documents attracted attention from pro-Kremlin Telegram channels and military bloggers, with some copies being altered by others to manipulate information, such as inflating Ukrainian casualty figures. Teixeira, who held a top-secret security clearance despite his junior role as an Airman 1st Class and cyber defense operations journeyman, was based at the Otis Air National Guard Base near his home.

The leak prompted an investigation and led the Pentagon to review its handling of classified information. In December, the Air Force disciplined 15 members in connection with the case, noting officers' awareness of Teixeira's "intelligence-seeking activities" but their failure to intervene. The lack of supervision during overnight shifts at the base allowed Teixeira to print and smuggle classified documents, with screenshots showing creased printouts found at his home.

Teixeira's online activities went unnoticed by his supervisors, as highlighted in the report by the Air Force Inspector General. The report also noted that Teixeira had a previous history of making racial threats and discussing weapons, leading to a suspension from high school and initially being denied a firearms identification card. Authorities later found multiple guns at his residence during his arrest, and prosecutors also mentioned his attempts to destroy evidence through the destruction of electronic devices and urging Discord chat room members to delete their messages.

During Teixeira's plea hearing, his family, with a background in military service, including a stepfather who served 34 years in the Air Force and a mother previously involved with veterans' non-profit organizations, was present.

The sentencing for Teixeira is yet to be determined by the court.