Former Intel Senate Member Pleads Guilty of Lying to Federal Government About Contacts with Journalists



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Former Senate Intelligence Committee member James Wolfe pleaded guilty on Monday to making false statements to the FBI about his communication with reporters.

Earlier this year, Wolfe was indicted for making false statements to federal agents when he questioned him about his contacts with journalists, reported Buzzfeed News.

Judge Ketanji B. Jackson in court asked Wolfe, "Did you make a false statement to the FBI?"

"I did, your honor," Wolfe said, according to CNN.

Wolfe was arrested in June for lying about his communication with three journalists, including Ali Watkins of the New York Times, with whom he would have a relationship for several years.

The government seized Watkins' telephone and electronic records while investigating Wolfe, which provoked controversy over whether the federal government could summon reporters to identify their sources.

Wolfe served as the security director of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which allowed him to access classified documents. The Justice Ministry accused him of having leaked confidential information to reporters.

He pleaded not guilty to federal accusations of lying to the FBI in June.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump: "I do not believe everyone in the White House", JPMorgan President withdraws from Saudi conference Trump defends family separations at the border MORE during the summer, I openly supported Wolfe 's arrest by stating, "I strongly believe in press freedom, but I am also confident that you can not disclose d & # 39; classified information ".

Wolfe oversaw part of the committee's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to NBC News.

Wolfe's lawyers in June said they would "vigorously defend Wolfe against these unfair and unjustified lawsuits" and demand a gag order to prohibit government officials, including the president, from making "damaging statements" about corruption. # 39; s case.

Defenders of freedom of expression have strongly criticized the Justice Department's seizure of Watkins' documents, accusing the Trump government of unfairly targeting journalists.

Attorney General Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsTrump does not know if Mattis will stay: "He's sort of a Democrat" Will the sessions use unlimited mandatory detention to reduce the demand for an asylum hearing? Chicago sues administrator Trump for holding police funds out of city sanctuary policies MORE at the time, it was part of the department's crackdown on leaks.

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