‘Biggest’ Theft of CIA Information Committed by Man From Lubbock

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A former CIA software engineer has been convicted of the "biggest theft of classified information in CIA history," and he was originally from Lubbock.

Thirty-three-year-old Joshua Adam Schulte was found guilty on Wednesday, July 13th of 9 counts relating to illegal handling of classified information as well as obstruction of justice. Driver's license records show that he had an address near 105th Street and Indiana Avenue in Lubbock sometime before 2009.

Schulte, who represented himself in court, described himself as a scapegoat in the Vault 7 leak by WikiLeaks back in 2017. He claimed that he was singled out even though hundreds of people had access to the leaked information. However, the prosecution said that Schulte was motivated by resentment toward the CIA, leading him to leak some of the nation's "most valuable intelligence-gathering cyber tools." They alleged that Schulte thought the CIA disrespected him by ignoring his complaints about the work environment.

The Vault 7 leaks detail the activities and capabilities of the CIA when it comes to performing electronic surveillance. It details specifically how the agency can compromise cars, smart TVs, web browsers and the operating systems of most smartphones.

KAMC News reports that Schulte was also accused by federal prosecutors of charges relating to child pornography. Apparently, in March 2017 investigators searched Schulte's cell phone with his consent and found over 10,000 images and videos depicting child pornography. He faces a separate federal trial on the child pornography charges.

Schulte's sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.