Accusations and Charges
A Navy sailor stationed in Japan, Bryce Pedicini, has been accused of espionage for allegedly sharing classified information with an employee of a foreign government. The charge sheet reveals that Pedicini provided documents multiple times between November 2022 and February 2023 in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Additionally, in May 2023 in Yokosuka, Japan, he attempted to transmit photographs displaying classified network information.
Serious Allegations
The documents were allegedly shared “with reason to believe that it would be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation,” highlighting the severity of the situation. The nature of the documents and the specific foreign nation involved have not been disclosed.
Navy Confirmation
The Navy has confirmed that the sailor, a Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman assigned to the USS Higgins, is under investigation. Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson of the U.S. Naval Surface Force stated that the incident is being probed, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Background of the Sailor
Pedicini enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2009 and has served on various destroyers before being promoted to Chief in 2022. The seriousness of the accusations brings attention to the potential consequences of mishandling classified information.