Why Trump’s ex-advisor John Bolton is pleading guilty in classified documents case
John Bolton classified documents case takes a major turn as the former national security adviser reportedly agrees to a DOJ plea deal.
Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton. (AP Photo/File) John Bolton, US President Donald Trump’s former national security advisor, on Thursday reportedly agreed to plead guilty over mishandling classified information under a deal with the Department of Justice that could allow him to avoid prison term.
Details of the felony charge and penalties
According to a CNN report, Bolton intends to plead guilty to one felony count of illegal retention of sensitive national security documents.
The former NSA would also face a fine of $2.25 million. Prison sentence for illegal retention is capped between 0 and 60 months, but the deal would allow Bolton to avoid jail term.
Origins of the 18-count indictment
The development comes after a criminal case was filed against Bolton in October last year with 18 counts of either retaining or disseminating classified information, including notes he made in his diary when he was part of the government which officials alleged that he shared with his family members, AP reported.
Share
