Former Fort Bragg Employee Accused of Leaking Classified Information
A former employee at Fort Bragg, who held a top-secret clearance, is facing charges for allegedly sharing sensitive military tactics with journalists. According to a federal complaint, Courtney P. Williams, a 40-year-old veteran associated with Special Military Units at the North Carolina base, was apprehended by the FBI on Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim that between 2022 and 2025, Williams communicated extensively with reporters, involving hundreds of phone calls and around 180 text messages. He reportedly sent documents that were later published in various articles, which identified him as a source.
Williams had a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance, enabling him access to critical operational details regarding specialized military tactics. The Department of Justice announced that Williams is suspected of violating 18 U.S.C. 793(d).
After his arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bureau will not overlook leaks of classified information, emphasizing their commitment to holding accountable those who endanger national security.
While the court documents do not explicitly name the journalist involved, they mention a book’s content aligning with an article by Seth Harp about Delta Force. Notably, Harp referred to Williams as a “brave whistleblower” and contended that Williams’ actions were primarily in response to issues of sexual harassment and gender discrimination within the force. Harp criticized the government’s focus on Williams, suggesting it was retaliation for her disclosures.
According to the Department of Justice, the leaked information was classified with “NOFORN” restrictions, meaning it should not be shared with foreign nationals, raising alarms about potential access by U.S. adversaries.
Evidence compiled in the complaint indicates that Williams mailed USB drives filled with sensitive materials to reporters and labeled files on her computer affirmatively suggesting a methodical effort to disseminate classified information. It also states that on the day of the publication of these articles, Williams expressed concerns to a journalist about the extent of sensitive information revealed, indicating she felt distressed about the scope of the disclosure.
In a separate conversation with her mother, Williams reportedly mused about the legal repercussions she might face, noting the risk associated with disclosing confidential material.
Williams had previously signed non-disclosure agreements during her military service, which explicitly warned that unauthorized sharing of classified material is against federal law.
The indictment highlights that the shared information poses substantial risks, potentially endangering military personnel and hampering operations if adversaries analyze the disclosed tactics.
Authorities have reiterated the severe nature of these allegations, indicating that anyone who compromises national security through such disclosures acts recklessly and selfishly. Investigations are ongoing, led by the FBI’s Charlotte field office in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.
