A Department of State employee has received a 48-month prison sentence for conspiring to disclose U.S. national defense information to individuals he believed were associated with the Chinese government. Michael Charles Schena, from Alexandria, Virginia, misused his Top-Secret clearance to obtain classified documents and transmit sensitive information.
In April 2022, Schena began engaging with individuals online, sharing information without authorization. The Justice Department’s press release stated, “Schena held a Top Secret security clearance and had access to information up to the Secret level.” By February 2025, Schena had allegedly photographed and attempted to transmit multiple documents marked as “SECRET.” Surveillance captured him in the act of using a cellphone, later confiscated by the FBI, indicating a serious breach of security.
The financial aspect of Schena’s conspiracy is troubling. He received payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars for the sensitive information he provided. In August 2024, he accepted $10,000 and a cellphone from an individual in a Peruvian hotel, a clear indication of the lengths to which he was willing to go for financial gain. U.S. officials are unequivocal about the severity of his actions.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg remarked, “The defendant threw away his career, betrayed his country, and abused the trust the United States placed in him.” This sentiment underscores the gravity of the breach of trust involved, which not only endangered U.S. security but also compromised the safety of those serving in intelligence roles.
The FBI’s Deputy Director articulated the sense of betrayal felt within the agency, stating, “Schena’s actions directly undermined U.S. national security and put Americans at risk.” Such sentiments reflect a wider concern regarding the vulnerabilities faced by government employees to foreign entities seeking to exploit American secrets.
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert denounced Schena’s betrayal, highlighting the dire consequences of his greed. He noted, “The price of Michael Schena’s disgraceful betrayal of his country is far more than the paltry amount for which he traded his honor.” This statement emphasizes that the ramifications of such actions extend well beyond personal gain; they threaten the collective safety and integrity of the nation.
The ongoing risk of espionage from foreign governments has been underscored throughout this case. Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, Roman Rozhavsky, stated, “The Chinese government continues to aggressively target U.S. government employees to steal our classified information.” The implications are clear: individuals who might be tempted to betray their country must seriously consider the consequences, as the FBI remains steadfast in its mission to uphold national security.
Schena’s case illustrates the critical importance of trust and responsibility held by those in sensitive positions within the government. His actions serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of national security to individuals who choose to prioritize personal gain over their duty to their country. The sentencing reinforces a message to others: betrayal will be met with serious repercussions.
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