Photo: Alexandria Sheriff's Office
An electrical engineer who worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense is accused of trying to flee the United States with classified documents.
The Department of Justice said that 50-year-old Gokhan Gun was arrested on Friday (August 9) as he was preparing to fly to Mexico. During a search of his home, agents found numerous documents that were labeled "Top Secret."
Prosecutors said that Gun, who possesses a top-secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, printed out copies of classified documents while at work. He allegedly printed dozens of documents between May 10 and August 7 and brought them to his home.
Gun was charged with the unauthorized removal and retention of classified material. If convicted, Gun faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Prosecutors asked Gun, who was born in Turkey and holds dual citizenship, to remain jailed until his trial because he poses a flight risk. However, a federal magistrate judge denied their request and remanded him to home confinement until his trial. The Justice Department is planning to appeal the decision.