The Department of Defense logo is seen ahead of a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on August 15, 2023.
Celal Gunes | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — A former U.S. Army sergeant was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to provide classified national security information to China, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Joseph Daniel Schmidt, aged 29, was apprehended at a San Francisco airport upon his arrival from China, according to the DOJ.
Following his separation from the military in January 2020, Schmidt purportedly initiated contact with Chinese intelligence to share U.S. defense information, the department stated.
He traveled to Hong Kong in March 2020 and continued his efforts to provide information, states the DOJ.
If convicted of the two felony counts he faces in a Seattle federal court indictment — which involve attempting to deliver national defense information and retaining such information — Schmidt may face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Later today, Schmidt is expected to appear in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco before being transferred to Seattle for further proceedings, according to the DOJ.
Schmidt’s last duty station was Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
During his service in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion, he had access to classified information categorized as “Secret” and “Top Secret,” the DOJ revealed.
Upon leaving the military, Schmidt retained a device that allowed access to secure military networks and allegedly offered it to Chinese authorities, according to the department.
Additionally, he is accused of contacting the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and Chinese security services via email to offer them the information.
“Individuals entrusted with national defense information have an ongoing obligation to protect that information, not only during their government service but also beyond our borders,” stated Matthew Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.
Tessa Gorman, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, expressed concern over Schmidt’s betrayal of his military oath “to defend our country and the Constitution.”
“In this context, the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking — not only attempting to provide national defense information but also assisting a foreign adversary in gaining access to Department of Defense secure computer networks,” stated the prosecutor.
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