Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has been federally indicted on 18 felony counts related to mishandling classified information. The charges include 10 counts of unlawful retention and 8 counts of unauthorized transmission of national defense information.

Bolton surrendered at a Maryland courthouse and pleaded not guilty to all counts.  He faces serious penalties—each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison under the Espionage Act framework.

The indictment accuses Bolton of sharing “diary‑like” notes that included top secret or sensitive intelligence with two relatives, using personal email accounts and messaging systems, and storing classified documents at his Maryland residence.  Prosecutors also contend that Bolton’s personal email was later hacked by actors linked to Iran, potentially exposing classified material.

Bolton strongly rejects the charges, claiming they are politically motivated. He argues that the information in question came from his personal diaries, not formal classified records, and that the FBI was aware of his records since 2021.  His legal team also argues that the case is part of a broader trend of prosecutorial overreach aimed at Trump critics.

Legal analysts note that this case is more detailed and substantive than recent indictments of other Trump adversaries—due in part to the national security implications and preexisting investigations. The defense may challenge whether the materials were properly classified, whether sharing them violated law, and whether selective prosecution is at play.