Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, was sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to deliver classified material to China. The case highlights growing concerns about foreign attempts to exploit former military personnel with access to sensitive information.
Schmidt served in the Army’s 109th Military Intelligence Battalion and was in possession of both secret and top secret systems. Prosecutors allege he created documents based on classified material and offered them to Chinese security services. His sentencing comes amid increasing awareness of China’s efforts to recruit former military personnel.
Following his separation from the Army, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong in 2020 and continued correspondence with Chinese contacts. He was arrested in San Francisco in 2023 and pleaded guilty in June 2025. The Department of Justice confirmed that Schmidt’s mental health was considered as a mitigating factor during sentencing, with no classified material believed to have reached China.
The FBI and other agencies are working to safeguard sensitive information. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg noted that Schmidt used his training to provide sensitive information to Chinese security services, despite being aware that his actions were wrong.
As a retired Army officer, the Acting U.S. Attorney, Charles Neil Floyd, condemned Schmidt’s actions, calling them unconscionable. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting national defense information.
Although Schmidt’s mental health was taken into account, there is no indication that he has acted on his intentions. The Army did not provide a comment on the matter, though the case is seen as a significant threat to national security.