In a dramatic turn of events in Greenbelt, Maryland, John Bolton, the former national security adviser who has become a notable adversary of former President Trump, turned himself in to authorities on Friday morning. This move follows charges levied against him for allegedly mishandling classified information.
Arriving at the federal courthouse around 8:30 a.m., Bolton was observed entering the U.S. Marshal’s office, accompanied by his legal team. His initial appearance in court is anticipated to occur later in the day.
The charges stem from an indictment issued by a federal grand jury just a day prior, accusing Bolton of 18 felony counts. These charges make him the third prominent critic of Trump to face legal action by the Justice Department in recent times.
According to prosecutors, Bolton is accused of disseminating over a thousand pages of what they describe as “diary-like entries” to family members, chronicling his experiences as Trump’s national security adviser. Furthermore, he allegedly retained sensitive records at his Maryland residence after his tenure in the role.
In response to the indictment, Bolton issued a statement claiming he has become the “latest target” in what he perceives as Trump’s ongoing campaign against political adversaries. He emphasized his lifelong dedication to U.S. foreign policy and national security, asserting that he would never jeopardize these principles.
Bolton’s attorney, the well-known Washington lawyer Abbe Lowell, defended his client’s actions, arguing that the act of keeping personal diaries does not constitute a criminal offense.
Lowell also represents New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), another Trump adversary who was charged last week with bank fraud in connection with her purchase of a Virginia home.
Former FBI Director James Comey also faces charges he lied in 2020 congressional testimony.
They both have denied wrongdoing.
Updated 9:20 a.m.
