The Justice Department has arrested Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, North Carolina, for allegedly transmitting classified national defense information to unauthorized individuals.

Federal prosecutors allege that from 2022 through 2025, Williams shared classified information that a journalist used in reporting for an article and book on Fort Bragg. Williams worked in a Special Military Unit from 2010 to 2016 and held top secret clearance with access to significant classified material.

Court records do not name the journalist, who is identified as Seth Harp. Harp published “The Fort Bragg Cartel” and a magazine article last year detailing Williams’ allegations of harassment and abuse while employed at Fort Bragg. Charging documents state that Williams disclosed information she was not permitted to share.

In communications with the journalist between 2022 and 2025, Williams exchanged over 10 hours of phone calls and more than 180 text messages. During these exchanges, Williams stated she was “concerned about the amount of classified information being disclosed” and later indicated she might face arrest for her disclosures. She also told a third party that she “probably going to jail for life.”

Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg emphasized: “Clearance holders accept a solemn obligation to protect the classified information entrusted to them… When clearance holders violate that trust, the National Security Division will act swiftly to hold them accountable.” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle for the Eastern District of North Carolina added: “We will pursue criminal charges to keep these warriors safe whenever we find leakers exalting their own feelings over the safety of the United States.”

In a statement, Harp described Williams as a “brave and patriotic truth-teller who has committed no crime.”