Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified information

The count usually carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but both sides have agreed to a maximum of five years.

Published: June 26, 2026 9:24am

Updated: June 26, 2026 10:54am

John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty Friday to unauthorized possession of a document related to national defense.

The count was one of 18 charges in the indictment. The count usually carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but both sides have agreed to a maximum of five years, Fox News reported. 

Bolton entered the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, without him or his legal team making any statements to reporters. 

In October, the Justice Department indicted Bolton on eight counts of transmitting national defense information and 10 counts of unlawfully retaining it. Prosecutors allege he used personal email and messaging apps to transmit classified information to family members while he was national security advisor. Prosecutors also allege he kept classified materials at his home. 

 

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