Army Veteran Charged for Sharing Classified Details of Elite Unit

Courtney Williams accused of violating nondisclosure agreements by sharing information about a 'special military unit' with a journalist.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a military-grade radio or communications device, its metallic surface and intricate components dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative mood about the sensitive nature of the leaked information.The alleged disclosure of classified military intelligence puts national security at risk, exposing the fragility of classified information protocols.Wagram Today

A 40-year-old U.S. Army veteran named Courtney Williams has been charged with sharing classified information about an elite commando unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with a journalist. Williams is accused of violating federal law and multiple nondisclosure agreements by disclosing details about her work with the 'special military unit', which authorities say put the country, members of the military, and allies at risk.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for government employees and contractors who are entrusted with classified information but then allegedly share that sensitive data with unauthorized parties. It also raises questions about the balance between press freedom and national security, as well as the treatment of whistleblowers who may feel compelled to expose wrongdoing.

The details

According to the FBI affidavit, Williams was cleared as a defense contractor in 2010 and became a Department of Defense employee later that year. She performed duties within a 'special military unit' as an operational support technician. In 2015, her access to classified information was suspended due to an internal investigation. The government alleges that between 2022 and 2025, Williams was in contact with an unnamed journalist, exchanging over 180 messages and 10 hours of phone calls. Authorities say Williams shared classified 'Tactics, Techniques and Procedures' used by the unit, despite signing nondisclosure agreements.

  • Williams was cleared as a defense contractor in April 2010.
  • Williams became a Department of Defense employee in November 2010.
  • Williams' access to classified information was suspended in 2015 based on an internal investigation.
  • Williams was debriefed and signed a nondisclosure agreement in September 2015.
  • The alleged contacts between Williams and the journalist occurred between 2022 and 2025.

The players

Courtney Williams

A 40-year-old U.S. 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 'Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is 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 swore an oath to safeguard our nation's secrets as an employee supporting a Special Military Unit of the Army, but she allegedly betrayed that oath by sharing classified information with a media outlet and putting our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk.'

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What they’re saying

“Other than a few factual errors, I would definitely have been concerned with the amount of classified information being disclosed. I thought things I was telling you so you could have a better general understanding of how the was set up or operated would not be published and it feels like an entire TTP was sent out in my name giving them a chance to legally persecute me.”

— Courtney Williams

“I might actually get arrested, and I don't even get a free copy of the book.”

— Courtney Williams

What’s next

Williams is scheduled to appear in federal court in Raleigh, North Carolina early next week for hearings related to the charges against her.

The takeaway

This case highlights the high stakes and serious legal consequences for government employees and contractors who are entrusted with classified information but then allegedly share that sensitive data with unauthorized parties, even if their intent is to expose wrongdoing. It also underscores the delicate balance between press freedom and national security that authorities must navigate.