FBI Special Agent Johnathan Buma, known for his critical stance toward the Bureau since at least President Trump’s first term, was arrested on Monday at John F. Kennedy International Airport while attempting to board an international flight. Buma, a 15-year veteran specializing in counterintelligence, faces charges of illegally disclosing classified information.
Authorities alleged he printed and shared approximately 130 confidential FBI documents in 2023. The documents included internal files related to investigations into a foreign country’s weapons of mass destruction program.
Court documents also allege that Buma shared a draft of a book about his career in federal law enforcement with colleagues, which contained sensitive information—including details about the FBI’s investigations into nuclear weapon threats emanating from overseas.
According to ABC News, federal agents apprehended the once-esteemed law enforcement official—who had accused the FBI of political bias in favor of President Trump—moments before boarding an international flight:
While the investigation into Buma appears to have begun during the Biden administration — with several news outlets reporting on an FBI raid on his home in late 2023 — Buma has been a vocal critic of how the first Trump administration handled classified information that Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, was the target of a Russian influence operation.
Buma has previously been involved in whistleblower activities, claiming that while the Bureau was eager to investigate Hunter Biden, his own probes into figures like Rudy Giuliani were hindered.
Federal agents arrested Buma on Monday as he was about to board an outbound international flight, charging documents show. He appeared in Brooklyn federal court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday and was released from detention.
In a controversial decision, the court ruled that releasing him on $100,000 bail was sufficient to mitigate his flight risk. Specific details about any additional conditions of his release, such as travel restrictions or monitoring requirements, have not been disclosed.
Since Buma faces charges of illegally disclosing classified information, potential penalties can be determined based on the laws under which he is prosecuted. The most relevant statutes include:
8 U.S.C. § 798 (Disclosure of Classified Information)
Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison, fines, or both.
This law applies specifically to unauthorized disclosure of classified communications intelligence or national security information.
18 U.S.C. § 793 (Espionage Act – Gathering, Transmitting, or Losing Defense Information)
Penalty: Up to 10 years per count, fines, or both.
This statute covers the improper handling or disclosure of national defense information, even without direct intent to harm the U.S.
Depending on how many counts he faces, his potential sentence could be stacked for multiple violations.
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8 U.S.C. § 641 (Theft of Government Property – Misuse of Official Documents)
Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property valued over $1,000.
Classified documents are considered government property under this statute.
18 U.S.C. § 1924 (Unauthorized Removal and Retention of Classified Documents)
Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison per violation.
This applies to officials who knowingly remove classified materials without authorization.
The maximum combined sentence would depend on how many charges Buma faces. If he is charged with multiple counts, he could be looking at decades in prison if convicted on all charges.
However, most cases result in lesser sentences, especially if a plea deal is negotiated.
For comparison, Jack Teixeira (the Air National Guardsman who leaked military secrets) received 15 years, while Reality Winner (the NSA leaker) got five years.
Since he was arrested attempting to board an international flight, prosecutors may push for a harsher sentence.
Buma’s case is scheduled to proceed in federal court in California.
Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News.
