US News
FBI arrests North Carolina man allegedly posting classified military information online
The Guardian reports that a former Fort Bragg contractor faces federal charges, including unauthorized transmission of national defense information.
The short version
- The FBI arrested James Thomas Ashbacher, 37, a former North Carolina government contractor, over alleged leaks of classified information.[The Guardian]
- Prosecutors allege Ashbacher posted classified military operation images online and face federal counts including unauthorized transmission of national defense information.[The Guardian]
- Federal agents reportedly found a classified award nomination and a missing night-vision system at his home, and the allegations remain unproven.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- James Thomas Ashbacher, 37, of Spring Lake, North Carolina, was taken into custody by the FBI.[The Guardian]
- Ashbacher previously worked as a contractor providing security and emergency management services to the US Army at Fort Bragg, holding a top secret clearance.[The Guardian]
- Prosecutors said Ashbacher faces federal counts of unauthorized transmission of national defense information, unlawful retention of defense records, and theft of government property.[The Guardian]
- A Justice Department press release alleges Ashbacher photographed and removed classified military operation materials without authorization and transmitted them to a social media site.[The Guardian]
- Federal agents searching his home reportedly found a classified military award nomination and a night-vision goggle system previously reported missing from an Army special operations command unit.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The allegations about the posted material, the urging of another user to remove uploads, and the missing equipment remain unproven and untested in court.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.