General James E. Cartwright, Making False Statements, Virginia 2011
Ex-General Cartwright Guilty of Federal Felony in Leak Investigation
A retired four-star general has pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. General James E. Cartwright, 67, of Gainesville, Virginia, admitted to lying to the FBI about his actions.
According to the plea agreement, Cartwright disclosed classified information to two reporters without authorization. Some of the information disclosed was classified at the top secret level. The classified information was included in published articles and a book. Cartwright held a top secret security clearance and signed over 36 non-disclosure agreements related to Department of Defense programs.
The investigation into Cartwright's actions was conducted by the FBI's Washington Field Office. The evidence collected showed that Cartwright willfully provided information that could endanger national security to individuals not authorized to receive it.
“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.”
Cartwright's plea agreement states that he faces a potential prison sentence as a result of his actions. The case against him was investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.
General James E. Cartwright, Making False Statements, is a federal felony offense. The crime was committed in January and June 2012, with the plea entered in the District of Columbia. Cartwright's current status is pending sentencing.
Cartwright's background includes serving as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Aug. 31, 2007, to Aug. 3, 2011, and as Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command from 2004 to 2007. He held a top secret security clearance and access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI).
On Sept. 1, 2011, Cartwright retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his retirement, Cartwright maintained his top secret clearance, which enabled him to engage in consulting and private employment, including sitting on a special committee of the board of directors of a defense contractor.
This case highlights the importance of holding government officials accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to the handling of classified information. As U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein stated, “People who gain access to classified information after promising not to disclose it must be held accountable when they willfully violate that promise.”
Cartwright's case serves as a reminder that the consequences of lying to federal investigators can be severe. His plea agreement and the subsequent guilty plea demonstrate the FBI's commitment to thoroughly investigating individuals who undermine the integrity of the justice system.
General James E. Cartwright, Making False Statements, Virginia 2011
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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