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FBI Arrests Ex-Contractor Accused of Leaking Classified Data

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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FBI arrested former North Carolina contractor James Thomas Ashbacher for allegedly leaking classified defense information.
He is accused of posting top-secret safety data and night-vision equipment details to a social-media site.
Justice Department says he photographed classified videos and photos, then uploaded them before urging a user to delete them.
A search of his home uncovered a classified award nomination and the missing night-vision goggle system.

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FBI arrested former North Carolina contractor James Thomas Ashbacher for allegedly leaking classified defense information.
He is accused of posting top-secret safety data and night-vision equipment details to a social-media site.
Justice Department says he photographed classified videos and photos, then uploaded them before urging a user to delete them.
A search of his home uncovered a classified award nomination and the missing night-vision goggle system.