A former contract linguist for the FBI, Samuel Shamai Leibowitz, was sentenced to prison for 20 months for leaking classified documents. Leibowitz, a grandson of the late Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz, was found guilty of passing classified documents to an unidentified blogger, who then released them. The 40-year-old resident of Silver Springs Maryland had a very high level security clearance, permitting him access to classified documents.

Assistant US District Attorney for National Security David Kris stated “the willful disclosure of classified information to those not entitled to the information” is a most serious offense, adding he hopes this case will deter others who might consider compromising America’s security in the future. 

FBI agent Richard McFeely stated that Leibowitz “abused” his authority as one who held very high level clearance, using his authority to advance his own agenda.

In addition to the jail term, he will be subject to a three year period during which he will remain under supervision.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)