Donald Trump's former national security adviser, who worked during the first Trump administration, has arrived at a federal court to turn himself in to authorities on charges of mishandling classified information.
The eighteen counts arise from allegations that he distributed or kept sensitive materials, including some characterised as highly classified.
Bolton, who parted with the administration acrimoniously, has emerged as one of the Trump's strongest outspoken opponents.
The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the latest of the US president's political opponents to be indicted in recent weeks.
Court Appearance
On Friday, Bolton did not respond to shouted questions as he entered the federal building in Greenbelt, Maryland to surrender to authorities.
He is anticipated to make an initial appearance before a magistrate and may have to visit the US Marshals office for "possible" printing and mugshot.
Prosecutors' Allegations
Prosecutors have charged Bolton of using private communication tools and electronic mail to wrongfully share sensitive information.
"The materials disclosed information about upcoming threats, international foes, and diplomatic ties," prosecutors wrote.
Addressing the charges, Bolton said he would defend his "legal actions".
He stated he had "become the most recent focus in weaponizing the federal prosecutors to charge those he [Trump] considers to be his opponents with allegations that were rejected earlier or distort the facts."
Specific Accusations
The indictment filed this recently accused Bolton of sharing "diary-like entries" with two unidentified persons, and using his private email to send communications with confidential information.
The indictment also states that between 2019 and 2021, Bolton was reportedly the target of a hacking attack from a "cyber actor believed to be associated with the Iran" that gained access his system, exposing the sensitive documents.
Background
Bolton has been investigated for his handling of sensitive data since two years ago, when he attempted to publish a book about his tenure in the Trump's initial presidency.
The Justice Department tried to block the book's release, alleging it could include sensitive material.
A US magistrate denied the government, but criticized Bolton in his ruling, writing he had "taken risks with the country's safety of the United States".
An investigation into Bolton continued into the Joe Biden administration.
Legal Process
An formal charge in the US legal framework is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury - a group of members of the public established by a government lawyer to review evidence to decide if a legal proceeding should proceed.
