Gen. James E. Cartwright Pleads Guilty to Lying in Leak Probe

Retired four-star general James E. Cartwright, 67, of Gainesville, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making false statements during a federal investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of top secret national defense information. The former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff admitted to lying to FBI agents about leaking classified details to journalists — a betrayal that undermines the foundation of military and intelligence integrity.

Cartwright, who served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from August 31, 2007, to August 3, 2011, and previously as Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, held a top secret security clearance with access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). Despite signing over 36 non-disclosure agreements and undergoing regular classified handling training, he disclosed classified data to two reporters between January and June 2012 — information that later appeared in published news articles.

According to court documents, Cartwright continued to hold his clearance after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps on September 1, 2011, allowing him to work in defense consulting and serve on a board committee overseeing classified government contracts. Even then, he reaffirmed his commitment to secrecy by signing a Classified Information Non-Disclosure Agreement warning that unauthorized disclosure ‘could cause damage or irreparable injury to the United States.’

Instead of honoring that pledge, Cartwright leaked top secret information tied to sensitive national security operations. When federal investigators began closing in, he lied under oath about the disclosures. His false statements obstructed a wide-ranging investigation that included tens of thousands of subpoenaed documents, search warrants, and interviews with dozens of government personnel.

‘General Cartwright violated the trust that was placed in him by willfully providing information that could endanger national security to individuals not authorized to receive it and then lying to the FBI about his actions,’ said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord. ‘With this plea, he will be held accountable.’

U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein emphasized the gravity of the breach: ‘We conducted a thorough and independent investigation… The evidence showed that General Cartwright disclosed classified information without authorization to two reporters and lied to federal investigators. As a result, he stands convicted of a federal felony crime and faces a potential prison sentence.’ The FBI reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing accountability at every level — no matter the rank, no matter the title.