A federal judge on Friday ordered Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard accused of leaking classified military documents, to remain in jail while awaiting trial.
Prosecutors had urged the judge to keep Teixeira, 21, a 1st Class Airman who was assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing, behind bars ahead of his trial, arguing that he posed «a serious flight risk» and warning that a “foreign adversary” might try. to help him escape the country.
US Magistrate Judge David Hennessy on Friday granted prosecutors’ motion that Teixeira remain in custody.
“Who did he put at risk?” Hennessy said at Friday’s hearing. «I mean, I could make a list as long as a phone book that includes military personnel, overseas medical workers, and Ukrainian citizens.»
Hennessy, who said the government has a strong case, said he was concerned about what he called Teixeira’s fascination with guns and lack of integrity, as well as the possibility of a foreign government trying to gain access to classified materials knowing that He faces a potential lengthy prison sentence.
Texeira, who was arrested last month, appeared in court wearing an orange prison uniform with a long white shirt underneath.
He has not entered a guilty plea in his case stemming from allegations that he leaked top-secret Defense Department documents on Discord, a social media platform used primarily by online gamers.
When the hearing ended, Teixeira looked at the family as the bailiffs handcuffed him.
His family issued a statement through a representative after the hearing.
«While we are disappointed with the outcome of today’s hearing, which has been a long time coming, we realize that there is a long road ahead for all of us, and Jack’s well-being and safety is our priority at this time. As a family, we are as committed as ever and remain steadfast and unwavering in our full support of Jack as we continue to move this process forward,» the statement said.
An attorney for Teixeira did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
The judge did not set a date for the next hearing in the case.