Current:Home > NewsProsecutors seek detention for Pentagon employee charged with mishandling classified documents -TradeStation
Prosecutors seek detention for Pentagon employee charged with mishandling classified documents
View
Date:2025-04-15 17:27:32
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A judge ruled Tuesday over prosecutors’ objections that a Defense Department civilian employee who is a U.S.-Turkish dual citizen can remain free on home detention while he awaits trial on accusations he mishandled classified documents.
Gokhan Gun, 50, of Falls Church, was arrested Friday outside his home and charged with mishandling classified material.
When he was arrested, Gun was on his way to the airport for trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, according to an FBI affidavit. He was carrying papers including a document that was marked Top Secret.
Gun told authorities he was going to Mexico on a fishing trip. Prosecutors say he agreed to a search of his home. Inside they found other classified documents.
At a detention hearing Tuesday in federal court in Alexandria, prosecutors asked that Gun remain jailed while awaiting trial. They said they may bring additional charges, including possible charges under the Espionage Act, if the ongoing investigation can prove that he not only mishandled classified documents but sought to disseminate documents relevant to the national defense to a foreign power.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Rodregous said the fact that Gun was arrested carrying classified documents, as well as his intelligence-community credentials, on the way to the airport for a purported Mexican fishing trip was circumstantial evidence of his intent to distribute the documents.
“You don’t need your intelligence-community credentials to go fishing,” Rodregous said.
But U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan Davis said it was “too far of a leap” to assume that his trip to Mexico was connected to his mishandling of documents. He said until the government provides stronger evidence, the case is no different than any other classified-documents case and the presumption is that Gun should be free while he awaits trial.
Despite Davis’ ruling, it appears unlikely Gun will go free any time soon. Prosecutors indicated they will appeal Davis’ ruling to a district court judge, and as a result Davis delayed implementing his order.
Davis also required that Gun be subject to home detention and GPS monitoring if and when he is released pretrial.
Gun is a electrical engineer with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and has worked there since September. He holds a Top Secret security clearance.
In court papers, prosecutors say he printed out classified documents at his office, often late in the day when co-workers had left, and took them home.
He was born in Turkey and became a U.S. citizen in 2021, according to court papers. In the past 20 years, he has taken 15 overseas trips, including seven trips to Turkey, where his parents live, according to the affidavit.
Gun’s attorney, Rammy Barbari, declined comment after Tuesday’s hearing.
veryGood! (235)
Related
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Tuna is increasingly popular in the US. But is it good for you?
- Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Cleaning Deals – Save Up to 64% on Bissell, Dyson & More, Finds Starting at $4
- Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole heritage will be showcased at 50th annual Festivals Acadiens et Creoles
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Disney World and Universal closures halt Orlando tourism as Milton approaches
- Why RHOSLC's Lisa Barlow Is Calling This Costar a F--king B--ch
- Wisconsin governor’s 400-year veto spurs challenge before state Supreme Court
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Lizzo Shares Insight Into Months-Long Progress Amid Weight Loss Journey
Ranking
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- Shirtless Chad Michael Murray Delivers Early Holiday Present With The Merry Gentlemen Teaser
- Trump says migrants who have committed murder have introduced ‘a lot of bad genes in our country’
- October Prime Day 2024 Home Decor Deals Worth Shopping—$11 Holiday Plants & 75% Off Fall and Winter Finds
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Erin Foster Reveals the Real-Life Easter Egg Included in Nobody Wants This
- Tennessee officials dispute ruling that gave voting rights back to 4 people who can’t have guns
- Verizon says issue has been resolved after thousands reported outage Monday morning
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Why Sharna Burgess Was “Hurt” by Julianne Hough’s Comments on Her DWTS Win
Tennessee officials dispute ruling that gave voting rights back to 4 people who can’t have guns
John Amos' cause of death revealed: 'Roots' actor died of heart failure
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Sandra Bullock Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Keanu Reeves for Speed Reunion
Severe solar storm could stress power grids even more as US deals with major back-to-back hurricanes
Over 200 price gouging complaints as Florida residents evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton