Washington: US former four-star General James E. Cartwright who is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general and last served as the eighth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff from August 31, 2007 to August 3, 2011 is under investigation for leaking classified information.
One of the former top generals who previously served as the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, from September 1, 2004 to August 10, 2007, and as Acting Commander, U.S. Strategic Command from July 9, 2004 to September 1, 2004 and retired from the Marine Corps on August 3, 2011 after nearly 40 years of service. Has decided to defend himself in the court.
According to information available to US media, it was made known (by unspecified legal sources) that he had been placed under a U.S. Justice Department investigation in June earl 2013.
He is accused of an alleged leak of classified information regarding the Stuxnet virus, designed to target and (at least temporarily) disable Iranian nuclear centrifuges, as part of Operation Olympic Games. His attorney, Greg Craig, a former White House counsel, stated that he had no comment; the White House and the Justice Department also declined to comment. The role that General Cartwright may have played was not specified.
Here’s a short statement released by Cartwright’s attorney, Gregory Craig:
“General Jim Cartwright is an American hero who served his country with distinction for four decades. Any suggestion that he could have betrayed the country he loves is preposterous.”
