Former Military Employee Charged With Leaking Classified Info to Journalist

Courtney Williams accused of sharing sensitive national defense details over several years

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a military-issued security badge or access card, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the sensitive nature of the classified information at the center of this case.A former military employee's alleged breach of classified information protocols exposes the ongoing challenge of insider threats to national security.Wagram Today

Federal authorities have arrested and charged a former military support employee, Courtney Williams, for violating the Espionage Act by knowingly funneling classified information to a journalist over a period of years. Williams, who once held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, is accused of disclosing protected material despite repeated training and explicit legal warnings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious risks posed by insider threats and the importance of clearance holders upholding their solemn obligation to protect classified information entrusted to them. Leaks of sensitive national defense details can endanger American personnel and allies, and undermine national security.

The details

Prosecutors say that between 2022 and 2025, Williams maintained sustained contact with a journalist, exchanging over 180 messages and logging more than 10 hours of phone conversations. In those communications, she allegedly shared details that later appeared in published reporting and a book, some of which contained classified national defense information. Authorities also accuse Williams of compounding the breach by posting sensitive information on social media.

  • Williams worked with a Special Military Unit from 2010 to 2016, where she had daily access to highly classified operations, tactics, and intelligence.
  • Between 2022 and 2025, Williams allegedly communicated extensively with a journalist, sharing classified information.
  • On the day the journalist's work was published, Williams allegedly expressed concern about 'the amount of classified information being disclosed.'

The players

Courtney Williams

A 40-year-old former military support employee from Wagram, North Carolina, who is accused of leaking classified information to a journalist over several years.

John A. Eisenberg

Assistant Attorney General for National Security, who stated that clearance holders have a 'solemn obligation to protect the classified information entrusted to them.'

Ellis Boyle

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, who said the government will 'pursue criminal charges to keep these warriors safe whenever we find leakers exalting their own feelings over the safety of the United States.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Clearance holders accept a solemn obligation to protect the classified information entrusted to them. That they do so is critical to the security of our Nation. When clearance holders violate that trust, the National Security Division will act swiftly to hold them accountable.'”

— John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security

“'We trust our war fighting individuals to cooperate as a team to protect our military and country. We will pursue criminal charges to keep these warriors safe whenever we find leakers exalting their own feelings over the safety of the United States.'”

— Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina

What’s next

Prosecutors will continue to build their case against Courtney Williams, and a federal judge will determine whether to grant her bail or keep her in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences for clearance holders who violate their oath to protect classified information. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of sensitive national security data, even in the face of personal motivations or feelings.