A former National Security Agency (NSA) employee, Jareh Sebastian Dalke, has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell classified national defense information to an individual he believed to be an agent of the Russian Federation. This incident has raised serious concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive U.S. defense capabilities. In this article, we will delve into the details of this case, the charges faced by Dalke, and the implications for national security.

Dalke, a 31-year-old resident of Colorado Springs, worked as an Information Systems Security Designer for the NSA, an intelligence agency responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence from foreign and domestic sources. During his short stint with the agency, Dalke managed to obtain three documents classified as Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information. These documents contained information about military offensive capabilities of an unnamed country and other sensitive U.S. defense capabilities.

In an attempt to demonstrate his “legitimate access and willingness to share,” Dalke used an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts of the classified documents to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent. Little did he know that the recipient was an undercover FBI employee. Dalke sought to exchange the classified information for a sum of $85,000, unknowingly revealing his intentions to the law enforcement authorities.

Dalke’s plans came crashing down when he was arrested by federal authorities on September 28, 2022, at Union Station in downtown Denver. The arrest took place after Dalke transferred five files, including four containing classified information, using a laptop computer provided by the undercover FBI employee. One of the files also contained a letter written in Russian, expressing Dalke’s eagerness to provide more information in the future.

Following his arrest, Dalke pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to transmit classified National Defense Information (NDI) to a foreign government officer or agent. These charges carry severe penalties, including the possibility of a life sentence. However, as part of his plea agreement, federal prosecutors have agreed not to request more than 22 years in prison.

During the hearing, Dalke acknowledged his struggle with mental illness and confirmed that he had been taking medication for the past year while in custody. This revelation raises questions about the vetting process and the potential impact of mental health on individuals working in sensitive positions within intelligence agencies.

In a bizarre twist, court documents reveal that after leaving the NSA and providing the classified information to the undercover FBI employee, Dalke actually reapplied to work at the agency. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of background checks and the potential for individuals with malicious intent to infiltrate sensitive government organizations.

The attempted sale of classified information by a former NSA employee highlights the vulnerabilities within intelligence agencies and the potential threats they face from insiders. The successful detection and apprehension of Dalke serve as a testament to the FBI’s efforts in safeguarding national security.

However, this incident raises questions about the effectiveness of security protocols and the need for enhanced measures to prevent such breaches in the future. It also underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of personnel working in sensitive positions.