BELLINGHAM, WA – A former Army sergeant stationed in Washington was arrested for allegedly sharing classified information with foreign officials.

29-year-old Joseph Schmidt was taken into custody Tuesday, according to the US District Attorney’s Office in Western Washington.

Schmidt was an active duty member at Joint Base Lewis McCord from 2015 to early 2020, where he had access to classified information as part of his duties.

He began sharing some of that information with the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and Chinese security services shortly after leaving the Army.

Schmidt later travelled to Hong Kong and China, where he offered access to military networks and other information to Chinese authorities.

He remained in the country until this past week, where he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport.

If convicted, Schmidt could face up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.