DOJ seeks to prosecute Comey over alleged national defense disclosure

The Justice Department is seeking to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey over allegations that he willfully communicated national defense information to an unauthorized person in connection with an alleged 2016 disclosure.

Federal prosecutors filed a two-count criminal information against Comey in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accusing him of communicating national defense information and conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors filed a two-count criminal information against Comey in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accusing him of communicating national defense information and conspiracy. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Prosecutors allege that on or about Oct. 5, 2016, Comey knowingly and willfully communicated information related to the national defense to a person who was not entitled to receive it.

The filing alleges Comey had reason to believe the information could be used "to injure the United States" or benefit a foreign nation.

Prosecutors also allege Comey conspired with others to unlawfully disclose national defense information.

The case marks the third attempt by the Justice Department to prosecute Comey.

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