Fort Campbell Soldier Indicted for Selling National Defense Secrets to China
A shocking case has emerged from Fort Campbell, as a U.S. Army soldier has been indicted on charges of selling national defense secrets to China. The soldier in question, Korbein Schultz, was an army intelligence analyst with the First Battalion of the 506th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Henry C. Leventis, who revealed that Schultz had been arrested earlier on Thursday.
The indictment against Schultz includes six counts, such as conspiracy to unlawfully communicate defense information, unlawful export of defense articles to China, and bribery of a public official. According to Leventis, Schultz traded sensitive national defense information for cash, receiving $42,000 over the course of 14 payments.
The indictment alleges that Schultz began collecting and sharing information about U.S. military operations with a co-conspirator in China from June 2022 onwards. This information included details about advanced military helicopters, high-mobility artillery rocket systems, defensive missile systems, Chinese military tactics, as well as manuals for the F22-A fighter jet and intercontinental missiles.
In a shocking revelation, the indictment states that Schultz expressed a desire to be like the fictional character Jason Bourne and even contemplated moving to Hong Kong to work for his co-conspirator in person. The conspirators enticed Schultz with promises of wealth and racing-related perks, which seemed to align with Schultz’s personal interests as seen on his social media.
The details outlined in the indictment shed light on the conspiracy between Schultz and his co-conspirator. Initially, the conspirator requested information on Russia’s war with Ukraine and how the United States could assist in defending Taiwan against an attack. After receiving a draft document from Schultz, the conspirator paid him $200 on July 6, 2022. This marked the beginning of their relationship, with Schultz expressing his desire for a long-term partnership.
As the conspiracy progressed, the conspirator instructed Schultz to acquire more sensitive military information, including studies on future development of U.S. military forces and major countries like China, as well as summaries of military drills and operations. The indictment also reveals discussions between the two on how to conceal their activities, including describing online financial transactions as related to “car customizations.”
The arrest of Schultz has left his family in a state of confusion and shock. Kolby Weldon, Schultz’s second cousin, described the moment when agents entered their home to arrest Schultz with guns drawn. Weldon expressed his surprise and stated that all they knew was that Schultz was working on papers on his computer.
Schultz, originally from Wills Point, Texas, is a 24-year-old sergeant in the U.S. Army. His Facebook page indicates that he resides in Clarksville with his family. He has been serving in the Army since November 2018 and has received the Army Good Conduct Medal. While public records place him at Fort Cavazos in 2019, an Army-produced video suggests that he was stationed at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin in August 2021. According to the indictment, Schultz was on an overseas deployment in September.
This case involving national defense secrets is the latest in a series of similar incidents. Just recently, a civilian U.S. Air Force employee in Nebraska was arrested for sharing classified information on a foreign dating website. Additionally, a Navy sailor out of San Diego was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for selling sensitive information to China.
The arrest of Schultz highlights the importance of safeguarding national defense secrets and the ongoing efforts to prevent unauthorized disclosure. The U.S. Army and other relevant agencies are committed to cooperating with the investigation and ensuring that such breaches do not occur in the future.
In conclusion, the indictment of Korbein Schultz for selling national defense secrets to China has sent shockwaves through Fort Campbell and the U.S. Army. This case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive information and maintaining the security of our nation’s defenses. The investigation into this incident will undoubtedly shed more light on the extent of the conspiracy and any potential damage caused.
