(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, March 30 (KUNA) -- A federal complaint was unsealed on Wednesday charging Candace Marie Claiborne, 60, an employee of the US State Department, with obstructing an official proceeding and making false statements to the FBI, both felony offenses, for allegedly concealing numerous contacts that she had over a period of years with foreign intelligence agents.
The charges were announced by the US Justice Department.
"Candace Marie Claiborne is a US State Department employee who possesses a Top Secret security clearance and allegedly failed to report her contacts with Chinese foreign intelligence agents who provided her with thousands of dollars of gifts and benefits," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord. "Claiborne used her position and her access to sensitive diplomatic data for personal profit. Pursuing those who imperil our national security for personal gain will remain a key priority of the National Security Division." Claiborne is accused of violating her oath of office as a State Department employee, who was entrusted with Top Secret information when she purposefully misled federal investigators about her significant and repeated interactions with foreign contacts, said Assistant Director in Charge Andrew Vale. The FBI arrested Claiborne on Tuesday. She made her first appearance on Wednesday in US District Court for the District of Columbia. (end) rm.gta
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