Why Did the FBI Raid Bolton’s Home? From Espionage Charges to Long Imprisonment
MEHR News Agency, International Desk: Amid the latest controversy surrounding the FBI raid on the home of John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor during Donald Trump’s first management, a Fox News analyst stated that “if classified and confidential information is found, Bolton will likely face long-term imprisonment.”
The Fox News expert added that leaking or mishandling national defense information carries severe penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison. Furthermore, each classified document has its own specific penalty, which can be applied consecutively or concurrently.
What is John Bolton accused of?
According to Newsweek, Bolton has not yet been arrested nor formally charged. However, under U.S. criminal law, if he is found negligent in handling classified materials, he could face heavy penalties.
Bolton was previously accused of revealing classified information in his book-a case closed in 2021-but according to The New York Times, he is now suspected of either keeping classified documents at his home or transmitting them via personal computer (email) to family members and others. Investigators are focusing on whether such actions have taken place.
“No one is above the law,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said Friday after confirming the agency’s raid on Bolton’s suburban Washington residence.
The New York Post first reported the raid and added that FBI agents began their search around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s Bethesda home under Wray’s orders as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Associated Press cited informed sources saying the FBI acted within an investigation into Bolton’s use of classified materials.
Trump: John Bolton Is a ‘Low-Life’
Bolton served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and White House National Security Advisor during trump’s first term but later became a critic of the Republican president and labeled his service inadequate.
DONALD TRUMP reacted on social media to news of the FBI raid on Bolton’s home: “I’m not a fan of John Bolton. He really is a low-life person. I don’t know anything about this matter-I just saw it this morning. I told Attorney General [Merrick garland] do whatever needs to be done.”
Criminal Charges Related to Mishandling Classified Information in America
Mishandling classified information in the U.S.-depending on circumstances-can incur various serious charges based on major statutes prosecutors frequently enough cite:
- The Espionage Act
• Unauthorized collection, transmission or retention of “national defense information.”
• Penalty: Up to 10 years per count; life imprisonment if intent to aid foreign government is proven. - Unauthorized Removal and Retention
– Purposeful removal or possession of classified documents/materials without authorization.
– Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment plus fines. - Description or Destruction of Government Records
– Willful concealment, removal or destruction of government records.
– Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment; disqualification from federal office. - false statements
– Lying during federal investigations regarding possession or handling of classified documents.
– Penalty: Up to 5 years per count. - Total obstruction-related charges (Obstruction):
– Destruction or manipulation of investigation-related evidence.
– Max penalty: Up To 20 Years In Prison Only .
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