Donald Trump's former national security adviser, that worked during the Trump's initial term, made his way at a US courthouse to turn himself in to authorities on accusations of improperly handling sensitive documents.
The eighteen counts arise from allegations that he distributed or retained confidential documents, including some characterised as highly classified.
Bolton, who parted with the White House contentiously, has become one of the president's strongest outspoken opponents.
The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of the US leader's rivals to be indicted in the past few days.
Court Appearance
On Friday, Bolton did not respond to reporters' inquiries as he walked into the courthouse in a Maryland city to surrender to officials.
He is anticipated to make an initial appearance before a judge and may have to stop at the US Marshals office for "potential" fingerprinting and booking photo.
Government's Claims
Prosecutors have charged Bolton of using personal messaging apps and email to wrongfully share sensitive information.
"These documents disclosed intelligence about upcoming threats, international foes, and foreign-policy relations," prosecutors wrote.
Addressing the allegations, Bolton said he would justify his "lawful conduct".
He added he had "become the most recent focus in weaponizing the federal prosecutors to accuse those he [Trump] deems to be his enemies with charges that were declined before or distort the facts."
Details of the Indictment
The formal charges filed this recently alleged Bolton of sharing "journal-style notes" with two unidentified persons, and using his personal email account to transmit communications with sensitive materials.
The indictment also states that between 2019 and 2021, Bolton was allegedly the victim of a cyber intrusion from a "digital entity believed to be associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran" that gained access his system, revealing the classified materials.
Background
Bolton has been investigated for his handling of sensitive data since two years ago, when he sought to release a memoir about his tenure in the first Trump administration.
The federal prosecutors attempted to block the publication, claiming it could include classified information.
A federal judge ruled against the administration, but criticized Bolton in his ruling, writing he had "gambled with the national security of the United States".
An investigation into Bolton continued into the current presidency.
Legal Process
An formal charge in the US legal framework is a formal accusation issued by a public panel - a body of members of the public set up by a government lawyer to examine proof to decide if a case should move forward.
