Bolton Turns Himself In to Answer Charges of Sharing Classified Information
Donald Trump's former national security adviser, who served in the Trump's initial term, has arrived at a federal court to turn himself in to law enforcement on accusations of mishandling sensitive documents.
The eighteen counts arise from claims that he distributed or retained confidential documents, comprising some labeled as highly classified.
Bolton, who separated with the administration acrimoniously, has become one of the president's strongest outspoken opponents.
The formal accusation makes Bolton, 76, the latest of the US leader's rivals to face charges in recent weeks.
Initial Hearing
On Friday, Bolton did not respond to reporters' inquiries as he walked into the federal building in a Maryland city to submit to officials.
He is expected to make an initial appearance before a judge and may have to visit the federal marshals' facility for "potential" printing and booking photo.
Prosecutors' Allegations
Prosecutors have accused Bolton of using personal messaging apps and email to wrongfully share classified data.
"These documents disclosed intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign-policy relations," the indictment stated.
Responding to the charges, Bolton said he would defend his "legal actions".
He stated he had "turned into the most recent focus in using the federal prosecutors to charge those he [Trump] deems to be his opponents with allegations that were declined before or misrepresent the facts."
Details of the Indictment
The indictment filed this recently alleged Bolton of sharing "journal-style notes" with two unidentified persons, and using his private email to transmit communications with sensitive materials.
The indictment also claims that between 2019 and 2021, Bolton was allegedly the victim of a cyber intrusion from a "digital entity believed to be linked to the Iran" that gained access his system, exposing the sensitive documents.
Background
Bolton has been scrutinised for his management of classified information since 2020, when he attempted to release a book about his tenure in the Trump's initial presidency.
The Justice Department tried to block the book's release, claiming it could include sensitive material.
A US magistrate ruled against the administration, but rebuked Bolton in his decision, stating he had "taken risks with the country's safety of the United States".
An probe into Bolton persisted into the Joe Biden administration.
Understanding Indictments
An indictment in the US justice system is a official allegation issued by a grand jury - a body of members of the public established by a prosecutor to examine proof to decide if a case should proceed.
