John Bolton Pleads Guilty to Illegal Retention of Classified Documents

John Bolton, the former advisor to President Donald Trump, has admitted guilt to a single charge concerning the illegal retention of classified national security information, according to "France Press".

This development comes as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors amid an investigation that initially charged Bolton with 18 counts related to the possession and transmission of secret information. The plea deal reduced the case to one charge.

Prosecutors' documents reveal that Bolton retained notebooks and materials containing information classified as "top secret," and shared some of this material with two family members while preparing his memoirs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bolton faces a maximum sentence of five years, although the judge is not obligated to impose the maximum penalty and may decide against incarceration.

Additionally, Bolton has agreed to pay a fine amounting to $2.25 million.

The final sentencing will be issued later, pending the court's acceptance of the plea agreement.