Former FBI Analyst Sentenced for Illegally Retaining Classified Documents

Kansas City, MO - Kendra Kingsbury, a former intelligence analyst with the Kansas City Division of the FBI, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawfully retaining documents related to the national defense. The sentencing took place today in federal court before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. Kingsbury, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally retaining classified documents on October 13, 2022, in violation of the Espionage Act.

During her more than 12 years as an intelligence analyst with the FBI, from 2004 to December 15, 2017, Kingsbury had access to national defense and classified information. Despite being explicitly warned not to retain classified materials at her personal residence, Kingsbury admitted to repeatedly removing sensitive government documents and retaining them in her home in North Kansas City, Missouri.

In total, Kingsbury unlawfully kept approximately 386 classified documents at her residence, some of which contained highly sensitive national defense information. The documents she retained revealed important and secretive methods employed by the government in collecting essential national security intelligence. Kingsbury's actions posed a risk to national security as the classified information could have fallen into the wrong hands.

Investigators discovered that Kingsbury also destroyed other documents over the years that potentially contained classified and/or national defense information. The unlawfully retained documents included electronic files stored on hard drives, compact discs, and other storage media.

Among the national defense information unlawfully retained by Kingsbury were documents classified at the SECRET level from the FBI. These documents described intelligence sources, methods, counterterrorism efforts, counterintelligence activities, and the FBI's technical capabilities against counterintelligence and counterterrorism targets. Additionally, Kingsbury retained classified documents from another government agency, which contained intelligence related to collecting information on terrorist groups, including details on al Qaeda members and their activities in Africa.

The FBI's investigation into Kingsbury's actions raised concerns and questions regarding her use of the classified documents. Suspicious calls made by Kingsbury to individuals associated with subjects of counterterrorism investigations were uncovered during a review of her telephone records. These individuals also contacted Kingsbury, but the reason for their communication remains unknown. Kingsbury declined to provide further information to the government.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Omaha Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards from the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee from the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

The sentencing of Kendra Kingsbury underscores the seriousness with which the retention of classified information is treated under the Espionage Act. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of sensitive government materials.