A Pentagon contractor and State Department adviser, Ashley Tellis, has been indicted for illegally retaining classified information. Investigators discovered over a thousand classified documents at his Virginia residence. The documents reportedly include sensitive material concerning Air Force tactics and techniques.
Background on Ashley Tellis
Tellis, an expert in South Asian affairs, has served as both an unpaid adviser at the State Department and a contractor for the Office of Net Assessment (ONA). ONA operates as the Pentagon’s internal think tank, evaluating potential security threats.
Connections to Chinese Officials
The FBI affidavit indicated that Tellis met multiple times with officials from the Chinese government over the years. Notably, in April 2023, he attended a dinner with these officials in a suburb of Washington, DC. During these engagements, he was allegedly overheard discussing topics such as Iranian-Chinese relations and advancements in artificial intelligence.
Legal Proceedings
- Tellis made his initial court appearance on Tuesday.
- A detention hearing is set for October 21, 2023.
- His attorney has declined to comment on the charges.
Concerns Over National Security
According to Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, the allegations against Tellis pose a significant risk to national security. The Pentagon has refrained from commenting on the case while the Justice Department remains focused on the investigation.
Previous Incidents of Espionage
The case is another chapter in a concerning trend, as highlighted by the recent conviction of U.S. Navy sailor Jinchao Wei. Wei was found guilty of espionage for attempting to sell military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000.
Conclusion
The implications of Tellis’s actions extend beyond individual accountability. They underline the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. intelligence and national security officials in safeguarding sensitive information against foreign threats.
