In a shocking development, Jack Douglas Teixeira, a 22-year-old member of the U.S. Air National Guard (USANG) stationed in Massachusetts, has pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified National Defense Information on a social media platform. Teixeira was arrested in April 2023 and charged with unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information, as well as unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or materials.

According to the charging documents, Teixeira, who held a Top-Secret security clearance since 2021, allegedly accessed classified documents containing highly sensitive National Defense Information from a classified workstation at the Otis USANG Base. He then proceeded to transmit the information in written paragraphs to individuals who were not authorized to receive such classified information on a social media platform. Teixeira also posted images of these classified documents on the platform, which were marked with standard classification labels, indicating their highly classified nature.

The gravity of Teixeira's actions cannot be understated, as he knowingly and improperly shared classified national defense information, disregarding the national security of the United States, and betraying the trust of the American people he swore to protect. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division stated, "With today's plea, the Department of Justice holds Mr. Teixeira accountable for his actions and makes clear the gravity of the responsibility to protect classified information and our national security."

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts highlighted the severe ramifications of mishandling classified information, emphasizing that every instance weakens defenses and compromises the ability to thwart potential threats. He stated, "Mr. Teixeira exploited his Top-Secret security clearance to share our nation's secrets on a social media platform. He violated his oath to preserve, protect and defend and, in doing so, he undermined our national security and risked the safety of Americans serving overseas and our allies."

Given the seriousness of the charges, Teixeira now faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison for each count, along with up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI is actively investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The strong cooperation between these agencies underscores the commitment to protecting national security interests and holding individuals accountable for endangering such interests.

This case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of preserving classified information and the severe consequences that accompany its mishandling. As law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to protect national security, it is essential for individuals with security clearances to uphold their duty to protect the nation's most sensitive secrets.

The Office of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice can be contacted for any further inquiries regarding government services or information related to this case.