Justice Department Detains US Contractor: Espionage Charges Unveiled

1. Stunning Development: On August 24, the U.S. government arrested Abraham Teklu Lemma, 50, an Ethiopian-descended U.S. naturalized citizen based in Silver Spring, Maryland, under charges of delivering national defense information to a foreign government, conspiracy to provide national defense information to aid a foreign government, and willful retention of national defense information. Lemma worked as an I.T. Help Desk Technician, a contractor for the U.S. government.
2. Specific Charges: The criminal complaint states that from approximately December 19, 2022, to August 7, 2023, Lemma reportedly copied classified information from intelligence reports, erased their classification markings, and removed this classified data from secure state department facilities without authorization. This information was classified as SECRET and TOP SECRET and was specific to a country or geographic region.
3. Use of Encrypted Communication: Lemma allegedly used an encrypted application to exchange national defense information with an official from a foreign government connected to the country’s intelligence service. The exchanges show his readiness to support the foreign official by providing him with information.
4. Proof of Communication: In various preserved conversations, Lemma showed his willingness to assist, with the foreign officer stating, “[i]t’s time to continue ur support,” to which Lemma responded, “Roger that!” Lemma also assured the officer of his attention on specific subjects when asked.
5. Content of Transferred Information: Lemma allegedly forwarded the classified information to the foreign official, including satellite imagery and other data regarding military activities in the foreign nation and region.
6. Possible Penalties: The two espionage charges potentially carry a death penalty, life sentence, or any term of years up to life imprisonment. Willful retention charges can result in a maximum 10-year prison sentence. A federal judge will determine the penalty based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
7. Investigation in Progress: The F.B.I.’s Washington Field Office, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General are jointly investigating the case.
8. Prosecutors: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Alexandra Hughes for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Heather Schmidt and Kathryn DeMarco of the National Security Division’s Counter Spying and Export Control Section handle the prosecution.
9. Presumption of Innocence: It is important to note that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and all defendants, including Lemma, are presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

As this investigation unfolds, more information will likely emerge regarding Lemma’s alleged espionage activities and their ramifications. This case is a stark reminder of the continuing threats to national security and the need for vigilance in safeguarding classified information.