Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guard member suspected of leaking classified military intelligence, faced federal charges on Friday, The Washington Post (WaPo) reports.
Teixeira was charged with retention and transmission of national defense information and willful retention of classified documents.
The charges were presented before Magistrate Judge David Hennessy at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston, shortly after 10 am ET.
These criminal charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, WaPo notes.
Teixeira, who did not enter a plea during the hearing, will remain in detention until a follow-up hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The federal government is advocating for his continued detention.
Dressed in a beige prison-issued outfit and handcuffed, Teixeira sat next to his attorney during the proceedings and glanced around the room, acknowledging his family seated in the front row.
Judge Hennessy questioned Teixeira to ensure he was aware of his right to remain silent.
When Teixeira confirmed his understanding, the judge warned him, “Your words can be used against you.”
As the proceedings concluded, Teixeira’s father called out, “Love you, Jack!”
Teixeira replied, “Love you, too, Dad.”
