Former Fort Bragg worker accused of leaking classified info appears in federal court
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- A former Fort Bragg employee accused of leaking classified military information to a reporter was allowed to return home under electronic monitoring after appearing before a federal judge on Monday while she awaits further trial.
Courtney Williams, 40, had been held in jail since April 7. Prosecutors say she provided an author with sensitive details about a "cover alias identity" issued by the Army, as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures used by a U.S. Army special military unit during covert missions. They also allege she shared with Harp the names of people assigned to the unit.
According to federal prosecutors, the information later appeared in Harp's book, "The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces". Williams faces four felony charges and up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
In a social media post on X, Harp wrote, "Delta Force shouldn't have treated Courtney Williams so badly. In this exclusive excerpt of my book for Politico, she lays bare the unit's culture of secrecy and impunity, giving an inside look at one of the strangest workplaces in America."
At Monday's hearing, the judge ordered Williams to stay off social media and not speak with reporters while awaiting trial. The News & Observer reported she appeared in court shackled and wearing jail scrubs, occasionally looking back and forth toward her family seated in the courtroom and the judge.
Federal documents show Williams told Harp she feared she had "overshared" confidential information and did not realize it would be published, saying much of what she disclosed was meant to help him understand her job. Harp did not respond to a request for comment.
"After quickly reading through (your writings), I will just say that I wish you had sent me a copy of what was to be published prior to publishing," Williams wrote to Harp via text. "Other than a few factual errors, I would definitely have been concerned with the amount of classified information disclosed. (My colleagues) truly believed in the mission, we put our blood, sweat, and tears into the mission of that building, the cover capabilities, and protecting the men and women with every ounce of our energy on a daily basis. Only to be forced out for trying to make the (SMU) a better place for all genders and races to work...it just feels like the mark was missed," said Williams. "I'm taking deep breaths, but have a feeling this is going to be more of a nightmare for my children than not."
Campbell University School of Law professor Greg Wallace said the case does not appear likely to raise First Amendment concerns. "Although it initially would seem that the case raises First Amendment free speech or press issues, courts generally have held that laws prohibiting the disclosure of classified national security information do not pose any free speech problems, as the government's national security interest is compelling," he said.
Williams will remain under electronic monitoring as her case moves forward.
