US Military Analyst Pleads Guilty To Selling Secrets

US Military Analyst Pleads Guilty To Selling Secrets

The daunting tale of betrayal by Army Sergeant Korbein Schultz leaves us pondering the price of national security.

At a Glance

  • Sgt. Korbein Schultz pleaded guilty to selling U.S. military secrets to China.
  • He was paid $42,000 for sensitive information, while holding a top-secret security clearance.
  • Schultz’s arrest came after an extensive FBI and U.S. Army counterintelligence investigation.
  • The information included details on advanced U.S. military systems and operations.
  • Schultz faces up to 65 years in prison upon sentencing in January 2025.

Betrayal from Within

In a shocking revelation that underscores the gravity of safeguarding national secrets, Sgt. Korbein Schultz, an Army intelligence analyst, has pleaded guilty to selling military information to China.

Sgt. Schultz, who held a top-secret security clearance, was arrested at Fort Campbell in March. His conspiracy with a foreign national residing in Hong Kong, referred to in court documents as “Conspirator A,” began in June 2022 and continued until his apprehension. This conspiracy came to light after Schultz initially provided classified documents related to U.S. military developments and operations.

The Extent of the Breach

Schultz exchanged sensitive information, including details on rocket, missile, and artillery systems, hypersonic equipment, counter-drone tactics, and studies on U.S. military strategy, for a sum of $42,000. His motivations ranged from financial needs to a fanciful desire to mimic fictional spy Jason Bourne. Schultz was quoted saying, “I hope so! I need to get my other BMW back!” after being told he would get more money.

National Security at Risk

The information Schultz sold also covered detailed data on the HIMARS rockets, F-22A fighter aircraft, HH-60 helicopter, and Chinese military preparedness. This breach of trust has sparked strong reactions from high-ranking officials. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division stated, “The defendant abused his access to restricted government systems to sell sensitive military information to a person he knew to be a foreign national.”

“By conspiring to transmit national defence information to a person living outside the United States, this defendant callously put our national security at risk to cash in on the trust our military placed in him,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen continued.

Schultz’s case should serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of leaking classified information. Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox emphasized, “Let this case serve as a warning: if any member of the Army, past or present, is asked for classified or sensitive information, they should report it to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours or be held fully accountable for their inaction.”

Consequences and Legal Proceedings

Schultz, who initially pleaded not guilty, later requested a change of plea hearing. He will face sentencing on January 23, 2025, with the possibility of serving up to 65 years behind bars. Both Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen and FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells voiced their firm stance on the matter.

“The defendant has admitted guilt in a case that should send a strong message to any U.S. service members thinking about betraying their country,” said Robert Wells. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that sensitive information is guarded from “hostile foreign governments.”

The charges against Schultz include conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official. The case is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Adam Barry and Christopher Cook, alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command and the FBI. This cooperation illustrates the robust response needed to combat threats to national security within our ranks.

Sources

  1. U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Pleads Guilty to Charges of Conspiracy to Obtain and Disclose National Defense Information, Export Control Violations and Bribery
  2. US Army soldier pleads guilty to selling sensitive military information to China
  3. US Army Soldier Pleads Guilty After Selling Military Secrets to China
  4. US soldier pleads guilty to selling secrets to China

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