Ashley Tellis, a 64-year-old resident of Vienna, Virginia, was arrested over the weekend and charged with unlawfully retaining national defense information. The announcement was made by Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”
Tellis faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a $100 special assessment, and forfeiture if convicted. Sentences for federal crimes are often less than the maximum allowed by law. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
Authorities emphasized that a criminal complaint is only an accusation and that Tellis is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
