Ex-NSA contractor pleads not guilty to spying charges in federal court – Washington Post
A former National Security Agency contractor accused of stealing a huge cache of classified documents pleaded not guilty Tuesday to spying charges in federal court in Baltimore.
Harold T. Martin III was indicted last week by a federal grand jury, accused of violating the Espionage Act by carrying out what officials say is the largest theft of classified information in U.S. history.
Martin, 52, was arrested in August at his home in Anne Arundel County, Md., where law enforcement officials recovered dozens of computers, digital storage devices and thousands of hard-copy documents that filled six bankers boxes. Prosecutors say Martin hid classified and top-secret information in the trunk of his car, his home office and an unlocked outdoor shed.
In a brief court appearance Tuesday, Martin told Magistrate Judge A. David Copperthite that he understood the significance of the indictment charging him with taking and retaining a huge amount of classified material. The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 10years for each of 20 criminal counts.
If the case goes to trial, prosecutors said they expect it would last three to four weeks.
Martin, who has been held in a detention facility since his arrest and was dressed Tuesday in a black-and-white striped uniform, is not accused of trying to disseminate or publish the information he is accused of stealing.
Hes not Edward Snowden, Martins attorney James Wyda said during an earlier detention hearing, referring to the former intelligence contractor who gave classified material on U.S. surveillance programs to the media.
Hes not someone who, due to political ideas or philosophical ideas or moral principles, thinks he knows better than everybody else and, hence, is compelled to release government secrets, Wyda said.
Martins attorneys have previously said he took documents home not to harm the United States but to get better at his job. Martin has a compulsive hoarding habit, his attorneys said, and was taking medication for attention-deficit disorder that was a trigger for hoarding.
Martin first received security clearance on active duty in the Navy. He went on to work for seven private companies at various agencies within the intelligence community, including the CIA, the U.S. Cyber Command and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
He was a trusted insider, prosecutors said, working at the NSA from 2012 to 2015, where he was an employee of the intelligence contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. Martin was for some time in the NSAs elite hacker unit, Tailored Access Operations, which makes and deploys software used to penetrate foreign targets computer networks for foreign espionage purposes.
At the time of his arrest, Martin was enrolled in a doctorate program in information security management and doing research for his dissertation. He has an extensive background in computer security, including in the areas of encryption and secure communications.
Many of the documents Martin is accused of stealing were marked top-secret and contained highly classified information, including the names of intelligence officers who operate undercover outside the United States, according to the 12-page indictment. Among other secret documents, authorities found an NSA anti-terrorism document related to extremely sensitive U.S. planning and operations regarding global terrorists, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors described the theft in court filings as breathtaking in its longevity and scale.
Harold Martin flagrantly abused the trust placed in him by the government by stealing documents containing highly classified information, Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a statement after the indictment was returned last week.
Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report.
Read more:
Ex-NSA contractor pleads not guilty to spying charges in federal court - Washington Post
- NSA RIBADU: Nigeria on the brink when Tinubu assumed office - Vanguard News - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE: The Real Tin Shady How Paranoid Eminem Holes Up in Tinfoil-Covered Mansion and Hotels To 'Block' NSA Spies - RadarOnline - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Former Indian NSA: BRICS brings hope for alternative global solutions - news.cgtn.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Builder tied to house collapse that killed 3 slapped with NSA - Times of India - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- We are working to retrieve all documents on abandoned facilities NSA Boss - Citi Sports Online - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- NSA and CISA urge shift to languages improving memory safety - Developer Tech News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Credit Rating For The Unrated REITs (Part 5): National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) - Seeking Alpha - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- NSA, CISA Release CSI Urging Adoption of Memory Safe Languages for Enhanced Software Security - ExecutiveGov - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Brandonville native named Sailor of the Year at NSA Mechanicsburg - The Shenandoah Sentinel - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- NSA and CISA Release CSI Highlighting Importance of Memory Safe Languages in Software Security - National Security Agency (NSA) (.gov) - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- NSA Doval Emphasizes Anti-Terror Cooperation During High-Level Beijing Talks With Chinese Foreign Minister - The Hans India - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- NSA Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister discuss future meet on boundary issue - Tribune India - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- NSA Ajit Doval to deliver strong message on terrorism on his upcoming China visit - Moneycontrol - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Bangladesh NSA In Washington, Talking To Trump Officials. More Regional Shifts? - IndiaWest - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Naval Academy, NSA Annapolis closed Monday for mysterious world events. Both reopened Tuesday. - Baltimore Sun - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Pakistan is useful to the world: Former NSA Shivshankar Menon explains why countries still support Islam - The Economic Times - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Midland University Receives Grant from NSA - Midland University - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- NSA Approves Wave Relay Devices for Securing Classified Information - AFCEA International - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- NSA Validates Wave Relay devices to Protect Classified Information - PR Newswire - June 5th, 2025 [June 5th, 2025]
- Cyberattacks Surge in 2025: Data Analysts Urged to Bolster Privacy with PETs and NSA-CISA AI Security Guidelines - WebProNews - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- India is ready and has capability to fight terrorism on its own: Former Dy NSA Pankaj Saran in London - The Economic Times - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- NSA Teams With Int'l Cyber Agencies to Craft Guidance for Implementing SIEM, SOAR Platforms - ExecutiveGov - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- NSA, ASDs ACSC, and other agencies publish three Cybersecurity Information Sheets with gu - National Security Agency (.gov) - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Punjab MP and NSA detainee Amritpal Singhs jailed aides look to speed up trials in other FIRs, file plea - Times of India - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- NSA Ajit Doval down with flu, calls off visit to Russia - Hindustan Times - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Former NSA Director and SandboxAQ CEO on Quantitative AI and its inevitable integration - MSN - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- NSA Ajit Doval speaks with Chinese FM Wang Yi amid rising India-Pak tension 'War not India's choice' - The Economic Times - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- 'War was not India's choice and was not in the interests of any party': NSA Ajit Doval speaks to China's - Times of India - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- NSA to cut up to 2,000 civilian roles - The Hill - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- NSA Ajit Doval speaks with US Secretary of State 'shortly after' Indian strikes on Pak - Deccan Herald - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- NSA to cut up to 2,000 civilian roles as part of intel community downsizing - The Record from Recorded Future News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Operation Sindoor: NSA Doval engages with counterparts from US, UK, China, and Russia - Social News XYZ - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- CIA, NSA to face major layoffs as Trump pushes intelligence reform - Times of India - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Dont see a major war with India, but have to be ready: Pakistan ex-NSA - Al Jazeera - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Donald Trump set to axe thousands of jobs at CIA, NSA and other agencies - Daily Mail - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- 757Teamz softball Top 15: NSA moves up as Hickory perseveres to remain No. 1 - The Virginian-Pilot - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- NSA head Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong to exit Trump admin amid Signal chat fiasco - The Economic Times - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Trump speaks out on NSA shakeup, addresses third term talk - Fox News - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Mike Waltz, Alex Wong to resign: Here's who may replace NSA head and deputy - Hindustan Times - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- A Lot of People Want the Job: Trump Says Hell Choose Waltzs NSA Replacement in Next 6 Months - The Daily Signal - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Will Steve Witkoff replace Mike Waltz as Donald Trump's new NSA? - Times of India - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Beavercreek native recognized for NSA Codebreaker achievement - Fairborn Daily Herald - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Marco Rubio to serve as acting NSA; Mike Waltz removed by President Trump - FOX 35 Orlando - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Trump says he will name new NSA within 6 months - LiveNOW from FOX - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Mike Waltz out as NSA, Rubio to serve in the interim - LiveNOW from FOX - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- Mike Waltz Leaves White House for UN Witkoff Tipped as Trumps Next NSA - Hungarian Conservative - May 5th, 2025 [May 5th, 2025]
- McConnell calls out Trump for hiring amateur isolationists at Pentagon, firing NSA director - The Hill - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Trumps firing of NSA chief is rolling out the red carpet for cyber attacks - Politico - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- A conspiracy theorist convinced Trump to fire the NSA director - Vox - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- William Hartman Named Acting NSA Director Following Dismissal of Top Officials - ExecutiveGov - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA and partners Issue Guidance on Fast Flux as a National Security Threat - National Security Agency (NSA) (.gov) - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Security News This Week: NSA Chief Ousted Amid Trump Loyalty Firing Spree - WIRED - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Head of NSA and US Cyber Command reportedly fired - Cybersecurity Dive - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Trump fires Gen. Timothy Haugh from leadership of Cyber Command and NSA - DefenseScoop - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Gen. Timothy Haugh, head of NSA and Cyber Command, is fired - CBS News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Trump's mixed tariff messaging and NSA director and deputy fired: Morning Rundown - NBC News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA Director and Deputy Reportedly Dismissed: What We Know - Newsweek - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Haugh fired from leadership of NSA, Cyber Command - The Record from Recorded Future News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Trump administration fires head of NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, along with other top officials - CBS News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- US Cyber Command, NSA Chief Gen. Timothy Haugh ousted by Trump admin - Breaking Defense - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Face the Facts: Rep. Himes talks about firing of two top NSA officials - NBC Connecticut - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA Issues Advisory on Fast Flux Cyberthreat - ExecutiveGov - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Loomer, far-right activist, urged Trump to remove NSA director and others: Sources - ABC News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- The NSA Sounds Security Alarm For Billions Of iPhone And Android Phones - HotHardware - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA director fired after Trumps meeting with right-wing influencer Laura Loomer - The Verge - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Trump fires head of NSA and Cyber Command - Nextgov - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- What are the national security concerns of Trump firing the NSA, Cyber Command head? - CBS News - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Who is Timothy Haugh? The NSA chief fired amid cyber security concerns - Times of India - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA, CISA, FBI, and International Partners Release Cybersecurity Advisory on Fast Flux, a National Security Threat - Hstoday - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Senator King Responds to Reported Firing of NSA Director General Timothy Haugh - WAGM - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- NSA warned of vulnerabilities in Signal app a month before Houthi strike chat - CBS News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Trump said poised to fire NSA Mike Waltz for including journalist in top secret war chat - The Times of Israel - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Not the last Waltz: Trump defends NSA after security breach - The Times of India - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- NSA warned about vulnerabilities in Signal prior to White House group chat fiasco - SiliconANGLE News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- NSA warned the Signal app was vulnerable last month - WTIC - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Codebreakers and Covert Agents: The Women Behind the NSA and CIA heads to Illinois State Museum - WAND - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- NSA warned about using Signal a month before leak of Houthi strike chat - CBS News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 'Putin is giddy': NSA knew Signal was vulnerable to Russian hackers before security breach - AlterNet - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- RAW: NSA MIKE WALTZ EXPECTED TO VISIT GREENLAND - Local 3 News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- US NSA likely to visit India in third week of April - Hindustan Times - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]