In what was called a press briefing with “national importance” in relation to national security, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, in conjunction with federal and military agencies, announced a federal indictment against a U.S. Army sergeant for unauthorized dissemination of sensitive national defense information to China.
Henry C. Leventis, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, alongside Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office and others, detailed the explosive charges at a press conference earlier on Thursday.
The indictment by a federal grand jury accuses U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information to China, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official. Mr. Schultz is a member of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was arrested at the military base on March 7, and is set to make his initial court appearance tomorrow.
According to Mr. Leventis, Mr. Schultz misused his access to confidential U.S. military information for personal financial gain, trading national defense secrets for approximately $42,000 across 14 transactions with a co-conspirator in China. The compromised information included highly sensitive data on advanced U.S. military technology and Chinese military tactics, ranging from fighter aircraft and ballistic missiles to artillery systems.
Officials underscored the gravity of the breach, noting that such unlawful dissemination of national defense information jeopardizes the safety of the United States, its military personnel, and its allies.
They highlighted the diligent efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Army Counterintelligence in uncovering the conspiracy, which involved sophisticated means of communication and attempts to recruit additional conspirators within the military.
While emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations, Mr. Leventis reminded the public that the indictment contains charges that are yet to be proven in court: Mr. Schultz remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to vigilance and the use of all available resources to protect the nation’s security interests.
From The Epoch Times