Summary
Jack Teixeira, a former Massachusetts Air National Guard member, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leaking classified Pentagon documents online.
Teixeira, who pleaded guilty to six counts under the Espionage Act, apologized in court, accepting responsibility.
Prosecutors argued he shared hundreds of sensitive documents on Discord to impress peers, exposing information about the war in Ukraine, U.S. troop movements, intelligence on foreign adversaries, and compromising national security.
The judge emphasized Teixeira’s training and prior warnings. Officials stated the leak could have lasting effects on U.S. security and relations with allies.
Why bother? He won’t see trial before inauguration and will pardon himself from any federal charges immediately after taking office.