Army Veteran Charged for Leaking Classified Details of Elite Commando Unit

Courtney Williams accused of sharing sensitive information with journalist, putting national security at risk.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a military communications device, its metallic surface and intricate components dramatically lit against a pitch-black background, conveying the gravity of leaking classified information.The disclosure of classified details about an elite military unit has serious national security implications, even if the intent was to expose wrongdoing.Wagram Today

Courtney Williams, a 40-year-old Army veteran from Wagram, North Carolina, has been charged with violating federal law and multiple nondisclosure agreements by sharing classified details about an elite commando unit at Fort Bragg with a journalist. Authorities say Williams' actions 'put our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk.'

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious consequences for current and former military personnel who disclose classified information, even if the intent is to expose alleged wrongdoing. Leaks of sensitive details about elite special operations units can compromise national security and put lives at risk.

The details

According to the FBI, Williams was an operational support technician responsible for 'Tactics, Techniques and Procedures' used by the special military unit. Her access to classified information was suspended in 2015 after an internal investigation, but authorities say she continued communicating with a journalist between 2022 and 2025, sharing details that were later published in a book and article.

  • In April 2010, Williams was cleared as a defense contractor.
  • In November 2010, Williams became a Department of Defense employee.
  • In September 2015, Williams was debriefed and signed a nondisclosure agreement.
  • Between 2022 and 2025, Williams allegedly communicated with a journalist over 10 hours of phone calls and 180 messages.
  • In 2025, a Politico article and a book called 'The Fort Bragg Cartel' were published, which authorities say contained classified information.

The players

Courtney Williams

A 40-year-old Army veteran from Wagram, North Carolina, who is accused of sharing classified information about an elite commando unit with a journalist.

Reid Davis

The FBI special agent in charge in North Carolina, who said Williams' actions were 'reckless, self-serving and damages our nation's security.'

Roman Rozhavsky

An assistant director of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, who said Williams 'allegedly betrayed that oath by sharing classified information with a media outlet and putting our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk.'

Seth Harp

The journalist who wrote the 2025 Politico article and the book 'The Fort Bragg Cartel,' which authorities say contained classified information.

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What they’re saying

“'Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is reckless, self-serving and damages our nation's security.'”

— Reid Davis, FBI special agent in charge in North Carolina

“'Former Delta Force operators disclose `national defense information' on podcasts and YouTube shows every day, but the government is going after Courtney for the sole reason that she exposed sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the unit. This is a vindictive act of retaliation, plain and simple.'”

— Seth Harp

What’s next

Courtney Williams is scheduled to appear in Raleigh federal court for hearings early next week, where a judge will determine if she should be held in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the strict legal consequences for current and former military personnel who disclose classified information, even if the intent is to expose alleged wrongdoing. Leaks of sensitive details about elite special operations units can compromise national security and put lives at risk.