By SCM Staff Writer I Thursday, Oct.30, 2025
WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging former National Security Advisor John Bolton, 76, with serious crimes related to the alleged mishandling and unlawful retention of classified information.
The indictment, announced today by the Office of Public Affairs, charges Mr. Bolton with eight counts of transmission of national defense information (NDI) and 10 counts of unlawful retention of NDI, totaling 18 felony counts. If convicted, Mr. Bolton, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count.
The case stems from an investigation by the FBI into Mr. Bolton’s conduct after he left the White House.
According to the indictment, Mr. Bolton illegally transmitted NDI, including documents classified as high as Top Secret, by utilizing personal email and messaging application accounts. These documents allegedly contained sensitive intelligence regarding future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign-policy relations.
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Mr. Bolton illegally retained NDI documents within his home. These retained materials reportedly included intelligence about an adversary’s leaders and information revealing the sources and collection methods used to obtain statements on a foreign adversary.
FBI Director Kash Patel asserted that the bureau’s investigation revealed Mr. Bolton “allegedly transmitted top secret information using personal online accounts and retained said documents in his house in direct violation of federal law.”
Director Patel stressed the professionalism of the investigation, stating it was based on “meticulous work from dedicated career professionals at the FBI who followed the facts without fear or favor.”
He added, “Weaponization of justice will not be tolerated, and this FBI will stop at nothing to bring to justice anyone who threatens our national security.”
Authorities Emphasize Accountability
Federal prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the charges, underscoring the importance of protecting national secrets.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland stated, “If anyone endangers our national security, we’re committed to holding them accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office reinforced the duty of those entrusted with classified knowledge. “Anyone entrusted with this knowledge takes an oath and has a duty to safeguard it,” he said.
“The charges alleged in this indictment demonstrate there will be consequences for those who violate this responsibility.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sullivan and Robert Goldaris for the District of Maryland, along with Trial Attorneys S. Derek Shugert and Tanner Kroeger of the National Security Division, are prosecuting the case.
Mr. Bolton served as National Security Advisor in the previous administration. The sentencing, if a conviction is reached, will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Would you like me to draft a brief statement from Mr. Bolton’s hypothetical defense team in response to these charges?
