A former National Security Agency employee, Jareh Sebastian Dalke, received a sentence of nearly 22 years in prison for selling classified information to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Russian official.

U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore described Dalke’s actions as a deliberate betrayal, bordering on treason.

Despite Dalke’s claims of remorse and mental health issues, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense.

Dalke’s defense argued for a lighter sentence due to his traumatic past and mental health struggles, but the judge remained skeptical, noting the lack of evidence provided.

Dalke, who pleaded guilty to espionage charges, admitted to selling information to the FBI agent, believing he was causing change and relieving his financial burdens, NBC News reported.

Prosecutors revealed Dalke’s intention to provide sensitive U.S. defense capabilities to Russia, posing a grave danger to national security.

FBI officials emphasized the severity of Dalke’s actions and the potential consequences for national security.

Written by B.C. Begley