U.S. opposes bid to dismiss charges against policy expert Ashley Tellis
WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is pushing back against efforts by prominent policy expert Ashley J. Tellis to have serious charges against him dismissed, arguing he improperly kept highly sensitive national security documents at his home for years.
Tellis, widely regarded as a leading authority on India and South Asia, previously held senior roles within the State Department and U.S. defense establishment and had top-level security clearance during his career.
According to court filings, prosecutors allege Tellis “removed without authorization and retained” classified government materials — including documents marked TOP SECRET — and stored them at his residence rather than in secure facilities.
The government described the case as straightforward, emphasizing that authorized access to classified information in a professional setting does not grant permission to remove or retain such materials outside approved locations.
In its filing, prosecutors argued that the law applies to “any unauthorized possession” of national security information, regardless of an individual’s prior access or official position.
Tellis’ legal team disputes that interpretation. His attorneys argue that because he was authorized to access sensitive materials as part of his duties, he should not be treated as someone who had no legal right to possess them.
They also contend that prosecutors are applying the wrong legal provision, saying the statute cited is intended for individuals who were never authorized to handle classified information, not officials who had legitimate access during their service.
The defense further argued that the government never formally requested the return of the documents — a step they say is required under a different legal framework that should govern the case.
Prosecutors rejected that argument, maintaining that the central issue is whether Tellis was permitted to keep classified materials at home, which they say he was not. They warned that adopting the defense’s position could create a loophole allowing officials to retain sensitive documents without consequences unless authorities first discover them and demand their return.
The case now hinges on a key legal question: whether authorized access to classified information in a workplace setting extends to possession outside secure government facilities.
A court will determine whether the charges proceed or are dismissed at this early stage. The case has drawn significant attention in Washington policy circles due to Tellis’ standing in U.S.-India relations and South Asian security analysis.
Legal experts say the outcome could have broader implications for how U.S. authorities handle cases involving the retention of classified information outside official channels. (Source: IANS)
