Department of State Employee Charged for Conspiracy to Gather, Transmit, or Lose National Defense Information
Michael Charles Schena, an employee of the U. S. Department of State, faces serious criminal charges related to a conspiracy involving national defense information.
• Schena, 42, from Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested for allegedly gathering, transmitting, or losing national defense information.
• He worked at the Department of State Headquarters in Washington, D. C. , and held a top-secret security clearance, allowing him access to sensitive information.
• Investigators claim that starting in April 2022, Schena communicated online with individuals and shared unauthorized information in exchange for payments.
• He is accused of photographing classified documents labeled as "SECRET" from his work computer and later having the cellphone used for this activity seized at his home.
• Schena is charged with conspiracy, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison. A federal court will decide on sentencing, considering relevant guidelines and laws.
• The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Washington Field Office, with additional support from the Richmond Field Office, the DOJ’s Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Diplomatic Security Service.
• The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys and a Trial Attorney from the National Security Division.
• It is important to note that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
The case highlights serious concerns about national security and how classified information is handled by government employees. Further developments will depend on the judicial process following Schena’s charges.
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