Ex-Air Force intel officer gets 3 years in prison for retaining Top Secret docs that could have caused ‘grave damage’
A former Air Force intelligence officer was sentenced to three years in federal prison Thursday for unlawfully possessing and retaining classified documents relating to the national defense of the United States.
Robert L. Birchum, of Tampa, previously pleaded guilty after reaching a deal with federal prosecutors. During his 29-year career, during which time he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, Birchum served in a number of positions where he handled classified information.
A 2017 investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI found that Birchum had removed more than 300 classified files or documents, including more than 30 items marked Top Secret, from their authorized locations.
The classified materials were found around his home and in his overseas officer’s quarters. Two of the Top Secret documents were on a thumb drive and were related to the National Security Agency’s capabilities and methods that would “cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security” of the country if released, the Department of Justice said.
“The unauthorized removal of highly sensitive documents by the defendant in this case posed great risk to our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “We are grateful for our law enforcement partners who work diligently to keep our nation safe every day.”
“A goal of the FBI’s Counterintelligence program is to protect the secrets of the U.S. Intelligence community,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “This sentencing illustrates the bureau’s commitment and perseverance in pursuing those individuals who knowingly jeopardize our nation’s security.”
Along with three years behind bars, Birchum was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
