State Department Adviser Charged with Retaining Classified Documents and Meeting Chinese Officials
State Department adviser Ashley Tellis faces charges for unlawfully retaining over 1,000 classified national defense documents, including 'TOP SECRET' materials, and for documented meetings with Chinese officials.
Overview
- Ashley Tellis, a State Department adviser, has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified national defense information and engaging in meetings with Chinese government officials.
- Federal authorities discovered more than 1,000 pages of classified documents, marked 'TOP SECRET' and 'SECRET', during a search of Tellis's residence in Virginia.
- The charges allege that Tellis illegally printed and retained these sensitive documents, with the assistance of a coworker, from his position at the State Department.
- Federal authorities have documented multiple instances where Tellis held meetings with officials from the Chinese government, raising concerns about national security.
- The investigation focuses on the unauthorized removal and retention of highly sensitive government information and the nature of his interactions with foreign officials.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on the factual details of the charges against Ashley Tellis. They present the allegations from the Justice Department and FBI affidavit without employing loaded language or editorializing. The reporting includes key details of the accusation and a brief statement from the defense, maintaining an objective stance on the unfolding legal process, awaiting further legal proceedings.
"A senior adviser at the State Department and expert on Indian and South Affairs is accused by the Justice Department of printing out classified documents and storing more than 1,000 pages of highly sensitive government records in filing cabinets and trash bags at home."
Associated PressArticles (3)
FAQ
Ashley Tellis is a senior adviser and expert in international security and Asian strategic issues who has served as senior adviser to the U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, was involved in negotiating the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement, and has held positions in the Foreign Service and National Security Council staff.
Ashley Tellis is charged with unlawfully retaining over 1,000 classified national defense documents, including 'TOP SECRET' materials, and for documented meetings with Chinese government officials raising national security concerns.
The discovery of over 1,000 pages of highly sensitive classified documents marked 'TOP SECRET' and 'SECRET' indicates unauthorized retention and potential risks to national security, as these materials were improperly printed and kept outside authorized government premises.
Tellis's documented meetings with Chinese government officials amid his unauthorized possession of classified materials raise concerns about potential espionage or improper sharing of sensitive national defense information that could compromise U.S. security.
Outside his State Department role, Ashley Tellis has been a Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace specializing in international security and Asian strategic issues, a senior policy analyst at RAND Corporation, and a member of multiple defense and international studies organizations.
History
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