Massachusetts Air National Guard Member Sentenced to 15 Years for Leaking Classified Information on Discord

A Massachusetts Air National Guard member, Jack Teixeira, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for leaking classified information about the country's war strategy in Ukraine on Discord. Teixeira pleaded guilty to multiple counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, violating the Espionage Act. He posted over 100 classified documents on topics ranging from Ukraine to intelligence gathered from spying on allies. The leak uncovered critical staging for troops in Ukraine and equipment supplied to foreign forces.

Teixeira's actions led to profound breaches of trust endangering national security, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Prosecutors sought the highest sentence as a deterrent for future similar incidents within the military. Despite his defense attorneys citing an autism diagnosis as a reason for the breach, Judge Indira Talwani ultimately sentenced him to 15 years in federal prison.

Teixeira's former attorneys painted him as socially awkward and isolated due to being diagnosed with autism, arguing that he did not intend to cause harm by sharing classified information online. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan argued that Teixeira caused historic damage by sharing military intelligence, including sensitive details about the Ukraine war, with adversaries and damaging relationships with allies.

The leaked documents included information about troop movements, equipment provided to Ukraine, and a plot targeting American forces abroad. Teixeira, who held top-secret security clearance, was significantly involved in posting these documents on Discord, a social media platform primarily used by gamers.

This sentencing marks one of the most significant leaks of classified information in recent history, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national security secrets. Teixeira's case highlights the potential consequences of betraying one's country by unauthorized disclosure of critical defense information. The judge's decision serves as a warning to all military personnel about the severe repercussions of breaching their oath to protect classified material.