Bolton pleads guilty to unauthorized possession of a document related to national defense
The count usually carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but both sides have agreed to a maximum of five years.
John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty Friday to unauthorized possession of a document related to national defense.
The count was one of 18 charges in the indictment. The count usually carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but both sides have agreed to a maximum of five years, Fox News reported.
A prosector told the judge that Bolton will also pay a $2.25 million fine, half of which must be paid within five days. He is also required to undergo a U.S. intelligence committee debrief, spend three years under supervised release, and do up to 100 hours of community service.
Bolton also agreed to forfeit any annuity or retirement from his federal service.
In October, the Justice Department indicted Bolton on eight counts of transmitting national defense information and 10 counts of unlawfully retaining it. Prosecutors allege he used personal email and messaging apps to transmit classified information to family members while he was national security advisor. Prosecutors also allege he kept classified materials at his home.