Despite being trained in handling classified information, Teixeira repeatedly shared hundreds of sensitive documents on the Discord messaging platform over the course of a year. Judge Talwani remarked that although he had been warned about the risks and penalties, he continued to disclose classified information. “The fact that others did not do more to stop you is truly unfortunate,” she said.

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Teixeira had been held in custody since his arrest in April 2023 and admitted to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defence information. Prosecutors noted that the leak included sensitive data on US aid to Ukraine and other international topics, potentially compromising security interests.

Ahead of his sentencing, Teixeira also reached a deal regarding separate military charges, including obstructing justice and failing to follow lawful orders, his lawyer Michael Bachrach confirmed. The Air Force, however, declined to confirm this arrangement, though Teixeira still faces a court-martial in March.

Teixeira, previously an airman first class at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, worked in cyber defence and held a top-secret security clearance. Prosecutors stated that, despite warnings in 2022, he repeatedly accessed and shared sensitive information on Russia, Ukraine, and other global affairs. He reportedly boasted of his access to intelligence on countries such as Israel, Iran, and China.

Assistant US Attorney Jared Dolan advocated for a 17-year sentence, stressing that Teixeira should serve as “a cautionary tale for the men and women in the military and the clearance holders in the US government.” In contrast, Teixeira’s defence argued for an 11-year term, describing him as an autistic and isolated young man who did not intend harm but sought to educate his friends on global issues.

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The US Air Force announced it had disciplined 15 personnel in connection with the breach and removed Colonel Sean Riley, who had command of Teixeira’s unit, following an internal report that found multiple warnings about Teixeira’s actions had gone unheeded.

(With inputs from Reuters)