A former U.S. Army sergeant who once held top-secret clearance has pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to provide classified military information to the Chinese government, a move that federal authorities say posed a direct threat to national security.
Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, entered his guilty plea on June 18 in a federal courtroom, admitting to two felony offenses: attempting to deliver national defense information and unlawful retention of national defense information.
He now faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 9.
Schmidt served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2015 to 2020, most notably assigned to the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
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According to a release from the Army, this position gave him access to both secret and top-secret intelligence—sensitive information meant to remain strictly within U.S. defense channels.
Following his separation from the Army, Schmidt began a disturbing series of actions that would ultimately lead to his arrest and conviction.
Federal prosecutors stated that he initially contacted the Chinese consulate in Turkey, expressing interest in sharing classified military information.
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He later escalated those efforts by directly emailing Chinese security services, offering what he described as “high level secrets” he had obtained during his military service.
In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong, where he continued his attempts to work with Chinese intelligence officials.
During his time overseas, he produced multiple documents detailing sensitive information he had accessed while in uniform.
Alarmingly, authorities said Schmidt had also retained a piece of equipment that allowed access to secure U.S. military computer networks—technology he offered to Chinese authorities in an apparent bid to help them breach American defense systems.
“These actions threaten our national security,” said Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. “This was not a lapse in judgment—this individual failed to uphold his oath to defend our Nation and to protect the lives of those he served beside.”
Cox emphasized the severity of Schmidt’s betrayal, noting that the former soldier had “put our mission at risk and abandoned his fellow Soldiers for personal gain.”
Schmidt remained overseas for more than three years, living in China until October 2023. That month, he returned to the United States, flying into San Francisco International Airport.
Federal agents were waiting for him upon arrival and arrested him as soon as he landed.
The case has raised new concerns within military intelligence and counterintelligence communities, especially regarding how former service members with access to classified material are monitored after separating from active duty.
While most military personnel uphold their security responsibilities even after their service ends, Schmidt’s case illustrates the potential damage that one disloyal individual can inflict.
Though the full extent of the information Schmidt shared with the Chinese government remains classified, federal officials assert that his intentions and actions alone represent a serious breach of national trust.
His conviction comes amid growing tension between the United States and China, especially in areas of military technology, intelligence gathering, and cyber operations.
Cases like Schmidt’s highlight the aggressive posture that Chinese intelligence agencies are taking to collect sensitive information from current and former members of the U.S. military and defense industries.
The Department of Justice and Army Counterintelligence continue to stress the importance of vigilance among all personnel with access to classified material.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to holding accountable anyone who seeks to undermine U.S. national security for personal or political reasons.
Schmidt’s sentencing on September 9 will mark the next chapter in a case that has already sent shockwaves through the military intelligence community.
His guilty plea ensures he will face consequences, but the broader implications of his betrayal will likely reverberate for years.
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