Soldier Pleads Guilty to Selling Out America

Soldier Pleads Guilty to Selling Out America

An Army soldier has admitted to selling secret military information, raising grave concerns about national security and the integrity of classified data protection systems.

At a Glance

  • Sgt. Korbein Schultz pleaded guilty to selling sensitive U.S. military information.
  • The intelligence analyst entered a guilty plea in federal court in Nashville.
  • He received at least $42,000 for the information.
  • Schultz was arrested at Fort Campbell in March and will be sentenced on January 23, 2025.
  • The case underscores ongoing national security risks and calls for tighter security measures.

National Security Breach

Sgt. Korbein Schultz, an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, has pleaded guilty to selling sensitive military information to a foreign national. This revelation raises serious concerns about the breach of national security principles. Schultz entered his guilty plea in federal court in Nashville and is set to be sentenced on January 23, 2025. Authorities were alerted to Schultz’s activities when they discovered he had received $42,000 across 14 payments for providing classified information.

The nature of the sold information included details about U.S. military defense systems, such as rocket, missile, and artillery systems, hypersonic equipment, and counter-drone tactics. Schultz’s actions have put ongoing military operations and the safety of personnel at significant risk.

The Extent of the Compromise

According to authorities, Schultz, who possessed a top-secret security clearance, conspired with a foreign national identified as “Conspirator A.” Schultz provided documents containing lessons from Russia’s war with Ukraine and their application to U.S. support for Taiwan. Additionally, foreign agencies obtained materials on U.S. military exercises in South Korea and the Philippines, and details about the F-22A fighter jet and the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.

“Governments like China are aggressively targeting our military personnel and national security information, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that information is safeguarded from hostile foreign governments,” said Robert Wells, executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch.

Schultz’s conspiracy reportedly began when Conspirator A, who resides in Hong Kong, suggested Schultz could earn higher sums by providing “internal only” materials. Schultz accepted the proposal and began a long-term, profitable but treasonous relationship.

A Pattern of Breaches

This case is part of a troubling pattern of national security breaches involving U.S. military personnel. Recently, two U.S. Navy sailors were arrested for spying for China. Similarly, a Massachusetts Air National Guard member leaked documents on Discord, and a civilian Air Force employee shared classified information on a foreign dating site.

“Let this case serve as a warning: if any member of the Army, past or present, is asked for classified or sensitive information, they should report it to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours or be held fully accountable for their inaction,” emphasized Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command.

Schultz’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea highlight the need for stricter security measures and better protection of classified information to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring.

Conclusion

The case of Sgt. Korbein Schultz is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities within our security systems. It is crucial for the government to address these issues promptly and enhance procedures to protect sensitive military information. Our national security depends on our ability to trust those who are entrusted with its defense.

As Schultz awaits sentencing, the incident continues to raise significant questions and concerns about our nation’s security protocols and the trustworthiness of individuals granted access to classified material.

Sources:

  1. US soldier pleads guilty to selling sensitive military information to China
  2. US Army soldier pleads guilty to selling sensitive military information
  3. US Army soldier indicted and accused of selling sensitive military information
  4. US Army soldier indicted and accused of selling sensitive military information
  5. U.S. Army intelligence analyst accused of selling sensitive defence information
  6. Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China