In a further alarming case of betrayal, former Army Sgt. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, aged 31, admitted guilt to attempting to transmit classified military information to China. During his tenure in military intelligence from 2015 to 2020, Schmidt accessed data classified as ‘Secret’ and ‘Top Secret’ and sent this information via email to Chinese officials.
For additional context, after his military service, he journeyed to Turkey and Hong Kong to relay the information in person. Ironically, Schmidt was caught after he searched for terms like ‘soldier defect’ and ‘can you be extradited for treason.’
In response to the plea, Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, the Commanding General of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, condemned the traitor. He stated, ‘This was not a lapse in judgment — this individual failed to uphold his oath to defend our nation and to protect the lives of those he served alongside.’
Continuing his criticism of the disloyal soldier, he remarked, ‘By attempting to provide classified information to China, he jeopardized our mission and betrayed his fellow soldiers for personal gain. These actions pose a threat to our national security.’
Further details, along with an official document from the Department of Justice, provide additional insight into the situation. The press release disclosed that ‘A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty station was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.’
Continuing with the press release, the DOJ elaborated that, ‘Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempting to deliver national defense information and retaining national defense information. He faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025.’
Providing further context, the document clarified that, ‘According to records submitted in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020.
Disclosing specifics of the case, the press release stated, “In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and persisted in his attempts to supply Chinese intelligence with classified information acquired during his military service. He produced several extensive documents detailing various ‘high-level secrets’ he was proposing to the Chinese government.”
Elucidating how the act of treason was enabled, the DOJ reported, “He maintained possession of a device that permits access to secure military computer networks and offered this device to Chinese officials to aid them in their efforts to infiltrate such networks.”
Not yet finished, the DOJ noted, “Schmidt remained in China, mainly in Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he traveled to San Francisco. He was apprehended at the airport. Attempts to convey national defense information and the retention of such information are both subject to penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.”
Wrapping up the release with additional information regarding Schmidt’s arrest, the DOJ disclosed, “The FBI conducted the investigation, with significant support from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is overseeing the prosecution, with crucial assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
