Jack Teixeira sentenced to remain in prison awaiting trial
A federal judge on Friday ordered Jack Teixeira, the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking classified military documents, to remain in jail pending trial.
Prosecutors had urged the judge to keep Teixeira, 21, an Airman First Class assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing, behind bars ahead of his trial, arguing he posed a “serious flight risk” and warning that a “foreign adversary” might try to help him flee the country.
US Investigating Judge David Hennessy on Friday granted prosecutors’ request that Teixeira remain in custody.
“Who did he endanger?” Hennessy said during Friday’s hearing. “I mean, you could make a list as long as a phone book, including military personnel, overseas medical workers, and Ukrainian citizens.”
Hennessy, who said the government had a strong case, said he was concerned about what he called Teixeira’s fascination with guns and lack of integrity, as well as the possibility that a government stranger tries to access classified documents knowing that he faces a long prison sentence.
Texeira, who was arrested last month, appeared in court wearing an orange prison smock with a long white shirt underneath.
He did not plead guilty in his case following accusations that he leaked top-secret Defense Department documents on Discord, a social media platform primarily used by online gamers.
At the end of the hearing, Teixeira glanced at his family as the marshals handcuffed him.
His family released a statement through a representative after the hearing.
“While we are disappointed with the outcome of today’s hearing, which is a long time coming, we realize there is a long way ahead of all of us, and Jack’s well-being and safety is our priority. At this time. As a family, we are as committed as always and remain steadfast and determined in our full support of Jack as we continue to move forward in this process,” the statement read.
A lawyer for Teixeira did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
The judge did not set a date for the next hearing in the case.