A grand jury indicted Courtney Williams on Thursday on a charge under the Espionage Act.
WAGRAM, N.C. — A former Fort Bragg soldier is facing federal charges after investigators say she shared classified national defense information with unauthorized individuals, including a journalist.
The FBI arrested 40-year-old Courtney Williams of Wagram on Wednesday. A federal grand jury indicted her Thursday on a charge under the Espionage Act.
According to the Department of Justice, Williams previously worked with a U.S. Army Special Military Unit and held a Top Secret clearance. Court documents allege that between 2022 and 2025, she exchanged more than 180 messages and spent over 10 hours on calls with a journalist, later identified as using her as a source in a published article and book that included classified information.
Investigators also say Williams shared sensitive information on social media and acknowledged in messages that she could face arrest for her actions.
Federal officials say clearance holders are trained to protect classified information and warned that violations can put national security at risk.
The FBI’s Charlotte Field Office is investigating. Prosecutors with the Department of Justice are handling the case.
