Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton is expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, according to sources familiar with the matter. The plea deal, which is not yet finalized, would allow Bolton to avoid prison time.
Bolton, who served under President Donald Trump, was charged with entering a restricted area of the Capitol during the riot. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend probation as part of the plea agreement.
The development comes as Bolton faces separate legal troubles, including a defamation lawsuit from a former White House colleague. Bolton has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, but sources say he decided to plead guilty to avoid a lengthy trial.
Bolton is also known for his hawkish foreign policy views, including support for the Polisario Front in Western Sahara. However, his legal issues are unrelated to his foreign policy positions.
