John Bolton Surrenders to Face Allegations of Disseminating Classified Information
John Bolton, that served in the Trump's initial term, made his way at a US courthouse to surrender to authorities on accusations of improperly handling classified information.
The eighteen counts stem from claims that he shared or kept sensitive materials, including some characterised as highly classified.
Bolton, that parted with the administration acrimoniously, has emerged as one of the president's strongest outspoken opponents.
The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of the US president's political opponents to face charges in recent weeks.
Court Appearance
On the end of the week, Bolton did not respond to reporters' inquiries as he walked into the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland to submit to authorities.
He is expected to make an initial appearance before a magistrate and may have to visit the federal marshals' facility for "possible" printing and booking photo.
Prosecutors' Allegations
Prosecutors have accused Bolton of using private communication tools and email to wrongfully share sensitive information.
"These documents disclosed information about future attacks, international foes, and diplomatic ties," the indictment stated.
Responding to the charges, Bolton said he would defend his "lawful conduct".
He added he had "become the latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department to charge those he [Trump] considers to be his enemies with charges that were rejected earlier or misrepresent the truth."
Details of the Indictment
The indictment issued this recently accused Bolton of sharing "journal-style notes" with two unidentified persons, and using his private email to send messages with sensitive materials.
The document also claims that between a two-year period, Bolton was reportedly the victim of a hacking attack from a "digital entity thought to be linked to the Iran" that gained access his system, exposing the sensitive documents.
Background
Bolton has been investigated for his handling of classified information since 2020, when he attempted to release a book about his tenure in the Trump's initial presidency.
The federal prosecutors tried to halt the book's release, alleging it could contain classified information.
A federal judge ruled against the administration, but rebuked Bolton in his decision, writing he had "taken risks with the national security of the United States".
An investigation into Bolton persisted into the current presidency.
Understanding Indictments
An indictment in the US legal framework is a official allegation issued by a grand jury - a body of members of the public set up by a prosecutor to examine evidence to determine if a legal proceeding should proceed.