US Classified Document Leak Suspect Faces Up to 10 Years Per Document... "Centuries-Long Sentence Possible"

by Lee Hyunwoo

Published 14 Apr.2023 08:20(KST)

Updated 14 Apr.2023 08:27(KST)

Suspicion of Dozens of Confidential Documents Leaked... Bail Also Difficult

Jack Teseira (21), a Private First Class in the U.S. Air National Guard arrested on charges of leaking classified documents from the U.S. government, is expected to face potentially hundreds of years in prison if convicted. Under the U.S. Espionage Act, each leaked document can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years, making a very severe punishment highly likely.

On the 13th (local time), Private Jack Tesseira, accused of leaking U.S. government classified documents, is being arrested at his home by FBI agents. <br>[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

On the 13th (local time), Private Jack Tesseira, accused of leaking U.S. government classified documents, is being arrested at his home by FBI agents.
[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 13th (local time), Merrick Garland, the U.S. Attorney General, announced at an emergency briefing that Private First Class Teseira would be charged with violating the Espionage Act. The Espionage Act prohibits the unauthorized removal, possession, or dissemination of military information harmful to the U.S. government or beneficial to enemy nations, with a maximum sentence of 10 years per document involved.

It is reported that Teseira uploaded at least dozens of classified documents to a chat room on the gaming platform Discord. U.S. judicial authorities are currently investigating his motives, accomplices, and whether any information was manipulated, so additional charges beyond the Espionage Act may be added, potentially leading to harsher penalties.

Earlier that day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Teseira at his home in Massachusetts and is reportedly collecting additional evidence. While it is believed that Teseira leaked the classified documents to showcase his intelligence in the gaming chat room, suggesting he acted alone, the FBI continues to investigate the possibility of others involved behind the leak.

NYT cited a Department of Justice official stating that Teseira is scheduled to appear at the Massachusetts Federal District Court on the 14th to undergo indictment procedures. Given the seriousness of the charges, NYT reported that it is unlikely the court will grant bail.