Former security advisor pleads guilty of mishandling classified info

John Bolton, former US national security advisor, pleads guilty to mishandling classified information with relatives

and seals a deal with prosecutors that could allow him

to avoid going to prison.

John Bolton became a fierce critic of Donald Trump after

serving under his first presidency and then being fired.

Federal prosecutors allege Bolton has shared sensitive information

with two relatives for possible use in a memoir he was writing,

including notes on intelligence briefings and meetings with

senior government officials and foreign leaders.

He pleaded not guilty to 18 criminal charges

under the original indictment last year.

On Friday, the 77-year-old appeared in court and pleaded guilty

to a single count of illegally retaining national defence information.

Kelly Hayes, US Attorney for the District of Maryland said

As Mr. Bolton admitted, he shared more than 1,000 pages

of information about his day-to-day activities as the National Security Advisor.

No one is above the law and I hope that this prosecution

sends a clear message that we will vigorously investigate

and prosecute individuals who violate our national security laws

without fear and without favor and we will bring wrongdoers to justice.

According to a Reuters report, Bolton has reached a new plea agreement

with prosecutors that is believed to be carrying

a sentencing that ranges from no prison time

to up to five years behind bars.

The judge, however, is not bound by that part of the deal.

Bolton reportedly agrees to pay a fine of 2.25 million US dollars

and must make half the payment within five days of sentencing

and the full payment within 90 days.

He is planned to be sentenced at a hearing on October 28th

in Greenbelt, Maryland, to be presided by a district judge.