A former Air Force intelligence analyst has pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents to a reporter about military drone strikes against Al-Qaeda and other terrorist targetsALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A former Air Force intelligence analyst pleaded guilty Wednesday to leaking classified documents to a reporter about military drone strikes against al-Qaida and other terrorist targets. Defense lawyers said that while Hale was being punished for leaking information about negative aspects of the drone program, the government seemed unconcerned about anonymous leaks by government officials about successful strikes. The Eastern District of Virginia, where Hale pleaded guilty, has been a frequent location over the years for cases involving leaks and whistleblowers. In 2015, Petraeus pleaded guilty in federal court in North Carolina to a charge of unauthorized removal and retention of classified information. Hale pleaded guilty to a single count of illegally retaining and transmitting national defense information, part of the Espionage Act.

Source: ABC News March 31, 2021 19:11 UTC