A 64-year-old Vienna man is facing serious charges after being accused of retaining national defense information.
Ashley Tellis, 64, of Vienna, Virginia, was arrested over the weekend and charged by criminal complaint with the unlawful retention of national defense information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 793(e), according to U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia.
‘We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens,’ said U.S. Attorney Halligan.
The charges come with serious penalties, with Tellis facing up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, a $100 special assessment, and forfeiture if convicted.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Eastern District of Virginia has been at the forefront of cases involving national security, and this latest development is a testament to the office’s commitment to protecting the country.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and the consequences of failing to do so.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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