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A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for conspiring to collect and transmit sensitive national defense information to the Chinese government. The sentencing marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat espionage and protect national security.
Korbein Schultz, 25, from Wills Point, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to multiple charges including conspiracy to unlawfully export controlled military information, transmitting national defense secrets, and accepting bribes in exchange for classified materials. The Department of Justice revealed that Schultz received approximately $42,000 for providing highly sensitive military documents to operatives he believed were affiliated with China.
Between May 2022 and March 2024, Schultz exploited his position as an intelligence analyst with the U.S. Army’s 506th Infantry Battalion to access and transfer at least 92 classified documents. These documents included technical manuals for aircraft and missile systems, detailed U.S. military training tactics, and combat strategies. Some of the stolen information pertained to U.S. military operations in geopolitically sensitive regions such as Eastern Europe and Taiwan.
The investigation uncovered that Schultz was initially contacted through a freelance online work platform by an individual posing as a client from a geopolitical consulting firm. This contact ultimately led Schultz down a path of espionage, providing the foreign actors with critical national defense information in exchange for financial gain.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi strongly condemned Schultz’s actions, calling them a “betrayal of his oath to defend the United States.” Bondi emphasized the serious risks Schultz’s conduct posed to American military personnel and national security, warning that those who leak military secrets will face significant prison time.
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, describing Schultz’s sentencing as “a stark warning to those who betray our country.” Patel underscored the relentless efforts by foreign governments, particularly China, to steal sensitive U.S. military information, noting that service members remain prime targets for espionage.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire of the Middle District of Tennessee also highlighted the dangers posed by insiders like Schultz. He stated that individuals who engage with foreign adversaries jeopardize national security and assured the public that the Justice Department will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who compromise sensitive defense information.
During the investigation, authorities learned that Schultz attempted to recruit a fellow Army intelligence analyst into the conspiracy, as the foreign handlers sought individuals with broader access to classified materials. The case exemplifies the ongoing threat posed by insider espionage and the importance of vigilance in protecting military secrets.
Schultz’s sentencing serves as a clear message that breaches of national security will be met with severe consequences. As foreign adversaries intensify their efforts to obtain sensitive information, U.S. law enforcement agencies remain committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting espionage activities to safeguard the nation’s defense.
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Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
