In what was called a press briefing with “national importance” in relation to national security, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, in conjunction with federal and military agencies, announced a federal indictment against a U.S. Army sergeant for unauthorized dissemination of sensitive national defense information to China.
Henry C. Leventis, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, alongside Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office and others, detailed the explosive charges at a press conference earlier on Thursday.
The indictment by a federal grand jury accuses U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information to China, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official. Mr. Schultz is a member of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was arrested at the military base on March 7, and is set to make his initial court appearance tomorrow.
Detailed Charges
The indictment alleged from June 2022 until the time of his arrest, Mr. Schultz conspired with an individual, identified as Conspirator A, “to disclose documents, writings, plans, maps, notes, and photographs relating to national defense as well as information relating to national defense which Schultz had reason to believe could be used to injure the United States or used to the advantage of a foreign nation.”The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Mr. Schultz, who possessed a Top Secret security clearance, was recruited to gather the information by Conspirator A.
“Specifically, Conspirator A tasked Schultz with gathering information related to a variety of U.S. military weapons systems, including classified information, and information related to the United States’ potential plans in the event that Taiwan came under military attack,” an accompanying press release of the press conference stated. “Some of the information that Schultz provided to Conspirator A included documents related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), information on hypersonic equipment, studies on the future development of U.S. military forces, studies on major countries such as the People’s Republic of China, and summaries of military drills and operations.”
At least 14 payments were made to him from the man who represented to Schultz that he “lived and worked in Hong Kong” for a “geopolitical consulting firm.”
Officials say Schultz sent the man three documents that violated the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).
Those three documents included an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the HH-60W helicopter, an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the F22-A fighter aircraft, and an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Officials underscored the gravity of the breach, noting that such unlawful dissemination of national defense information jeopardizes the safety of the United States, its military personnel, and its allies.
They highlighted the diligent efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Army Counterintelligence in uncovering the conspiracy, which involved sophisticated means of communication and attempts to recruit additional conspirators within the military.
While emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations, Mr. Leventis reminded the public that the indictment contains charges that are yet to be proven in court: Mr. Schultz remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to vigilance and the use of all available resources to protect the nation’s security interests.
