Jack Teixeira, the former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking top-secret military documents, is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s arraignment will come about two months after Teixeira’s arrest at his home in North Dighton, and nearly a week since a federal jury indicted him on six counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified military documents.
The 21-year-old is accused of misusing his top-secret clearance while working as a member of the Air National Guard, by accessing classified information unrelated to his job, including sensitive military details about the war in Ukraine.
Investigators said he had been posting that information in social media group chats since early last year.
Teixeira allegedly tried to destroy evidence once he realized he was under investigation, with prosecutors adding that his actions endangered the security of the United States.
The Justice Department noted that each count of unauthorized withholding and transmission of classified documents carries a sentence of up to 10 years, so if convicted on all counts, Teixeira could face up to 60 years behind bars.
Teixeira’s lawyers have tried to get him released on bail, but so far, the judge in his case has not granted that request, citing concerns about his access to weapons and violent comments he allegedly made in the past.
Teixeira will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Worcester.
The Associated Press reported that the breach exposed secrets related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, other nations’ geopolitical capabilities and interests, and other national security issues.
Meanwhile, Teixeira’s family said in a statement in April that they stand in solidarity with and support the 21-year-old.
“His parents and his large extended family are united in solidarity and support for Jack Teixeira through this very difficult and confusing trial,” the statement read. Prosecutors and national security experts have questioned why and how Teixeira had access to such sensitive information related to national security, considering that he had been suspended from high school for comments about guns and violence, and had been repeatedly denied a firearms license due to the concerns raised. by the local police.
