Central Intelligence Agency Director David Patraeus released the following statement Monday following the arrest of a former agency officer on charges that he illegally disclosed classified information.
Patraeus’ message:
As you may have seen in the news, a former Agency officer was arrested by the FBI today on charges that he illegally disclosed classified information to reporters. This is the second such prosecution of a former CIA officer in the last year. I cannot comment on the specifics of the case, which is an ongoing legal matter, and I want to remind all of you that the officer is presumed innocent pending the outcome of the case. I can say, however, that the CIA fully supported the investigation from the beginning and will continue to do so.
I want to take this opportunity to ask you to remember the following: in return for the secrecy we need to do our work, the American people and our elected representatives expect us to uphold our nation’s laws and values. When we joined this organization, we swore to safeguard classified information; those oaths stay with us for life. Unauthorized disclosures of any sort—including information concerning the identities of other Agency officers—betray the public trust, our country, and our colleagues. Given the sensitive nature of many of our Agency’s operations and the risks we ask our employees to take, the illegal passage of secrets is an abuse of trust that may put lives in jeopardy. Thanks to each of you for keeping all this in mind as we work together to perform missions of great importance to our country.
David H. Petraeus
