Guard Member Sentenced for Espionage Act Violation

Jack Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guard member, received a 15-year prison sentence for leaking classified military documents. Charged under the Espionage Act, Teixeira's actions, prosecutors argue, marked a significant breach in national security, highlighting concerns about the protection of America's secrets.

A Massachusetts Air National Guard member, Jack Teixeira, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to leaking classified military documents regarding the war in Ukraine. The verdict was delivered by US District Judge Indira Talwani on Tuesday.

Prosecutors had pushed for a 17-year sentence, labeling the breach as one of the most significant violations of the Espionage Act in US history. Teixeira was charged with six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information.

Defense attorneys sought an 11-year term, acknowledging Teixeira's grave error but contending his actions were not intended to harm the United States. The case has raised concerns about America's capacity to safeguard sensitive information.

(With inputs from agencies.)