Ex-Trump advisor Bolton agrees to plead guilty over classified records
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to retaining classified records before a federal court, according to MS NOW. He had asserted innocence at last year's indictment.
CNBC Top NewsFormer National Security Advisor John Bolton has notified the court he will plead guilty to unauthorized retention of documents related to national defense, under an agreement with federal prosecutors. The deal was filed in the US District Court for Maryland.
The indictment stemmed from Bolton's 2020 memoir, 'The Room Where It Happened,' published after his departure from the Trump administration. At last year's indictment Bolton said he was 'innocent and targeted for his political opposition.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on the plea.
Bolton's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement his client 'wished to avoid extending the process.' US Attorney Erek Barron said 'the protection of classified information stands above any office.' Sentencing is scheduled for next month. Independent legal observers say the plea could shape similar cases. Procedural facts only.
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