The former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who leaked classified documents while stationed at Joint Base Cape Cod will spend 15 years in prison. Jack Teixeira was sentenced in Boston federal court Tuesday.
Prosecutors described the information leak as "one of the most significant and consequential violations of the Espionage Act in American History."
“Mr. Teixeira is responsible for engaging in one of the most significant leaks of classified documents and information in United States history, which resulted in exceptionally grave and long-lasting damage to the national security of the United States. He exploited his Top-Secret security clearance to share critical defense information online. In doing so, he exposed sensitive defense information involving our allies, putting our intelligence community and our troops at risk,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Leaking and distributing classified information poses significant and real consequences across the globe. Today, justice was served for all the men and women serving our country overseas with honor and fealty to their oath.”
Teixeira admitted to sharing the classified information on the Discord social media platform.
(Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP / Getty Images