SEATTLE - A former U.S. Army sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington pleaded guilty to attempting to share classified military secrets with the Chinese government. 

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 6: The Department of Justice seal and logo are displayed before U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives for a news conference at the Department of Justice on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Justice Department along with the Dr (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 31-year-old Joseph Daniel Schmidt pleaded guilty to two federal felonies: attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information.

What was Joseph Daniel Schmidt's military service?

Records filed in the case say Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. He was primarily assigned at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. 

What access did Schmidt have to classified information?

The backstory:

According to the DOJ, his role in the military granted him access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After leaving the military, he emailed the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and the Chinese security services to offer national defense information.

In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to share classified information with Chinese intelligence. He created multiple documents detailing various "high level secrets" at length.

What device did Joseph Daniel Schmidt offer to Chinese officials?

Authorities say he kept a device used to access secure military computer networks and offered it to Chinese officials to break into those systems.

Schmidt remained in China until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport.

What charges will Schmidt face?

What's next:

According to the DOJ, attempting to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Schmidt will face a U.S. District Judge on Sept. 9, 2025.

The FBI investigated the case, with assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Source: Information in this story comes from a press release by the U.S. Department of Justice.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

2 dead after car submerges at WA's Edmonds Ferry Dock following pursuit

Travis Decker update: Search teams close in on WA triple murder suspect

Travis Decker manhunt echoes 2020 hunt in same WA wilderness

Everything to know about WA laws going into effect July 1

Tacoma dad defends man at center of Amber Alert case involving 2-year-old

Seattle-based Amazon announces 'workforce reduction' due to AI

Immigrants suddenly summoned by ICE via text during Seattle-area protests

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

Joint Base Lewis-McChordCrime and Public SafetyNewsWashingtonU.S.