John Bolton Surrenders to Answer Charges of Sharing Sensitive Materials
Donald Trump's former national security adviser, who served in the Trump's initial term, made his way at a federal court to turn himself in to authorities facing accusations of mishandling sensitive documents.
The eighteen counts arise from claims that he distributed or retained confidential documents, comprising some characterised as top secret.
Bolton, that parted with the White House acrimoniously, has emerged as one of the Trump's strongest outspoken opponents.
The indictment makes Bolton, seventy-six, the latest of the US leader's rivals to face charges in recent weeks.
Initial Hearing
On the end of the week, Bolton remained silent to reporters' inquiries as he walked into the courthouse in a Maryland city to surrender to officials.
He is expected to make an first court hearing before a magistrate and may have to visit the US Marshals office for "potential" fingerprinting and booking photo.
Government's Claims
Prosecutors have charged Bolton of using private communication tools and email to wrongfully share sensitive information.
"The materials disclosed information about future attacks, international foes, and diplomatic ties," prosecutors wrote.
Addressing the allegations, Bolton said he would defend his "lawful conduct".
He stated he had "turned into the latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department to charge those he [Trump] deems to be his opponents with allegations that were declined before or distort the facts."
Specific Accusations
The formal charges issued this week alleged Bolton of sharing "journal-style notes" with two unidentified persons, and using his private email to transmit messages with sensitive materials.
The document also states that between a two-year period, Bolton was allegedly the target of a hacking attack from a "cyber actor believed to be associated with the Iran" that gained access his system, revealing the classified materials.
Previous Scrutiny
Bolton has been scrutinised for his handling of sensitive data since two years ago, when he attempted to publish a memoir about his tenure in the Trump's initial presidency.
The Justice Department tried to halt the book's release, claiming it could contain classified information.
A federal judge ruled against the government, but rebuked Bolton in his ruling, stating he had "taken risks with the country's safety of the United States".
An probe into Bolton persisted into the Joe Biden administration.
Legal Process
An indictment in the US legal framework is a official allegation delivered by a grand jury - a group of members of the public established by a government lawyer to review evidence to decide if a legal proceeding should move forward.
