Case library · Cover-Up
The Missing Archive Copies
United States v. Berger (2005)
Charge: Unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents (misdemeanor)Court: U.S. District Court for the District of ColumbiaState: District of ColumbiaDocket: Cover-Up
The facts
A former top national-security official was allowed into the national records office to review secret papers ahead of an official inquiry. Over two visits he concealed and removed five copies of classified documents and took them to his office. He destroyed three of them. When staff noticed papers were missing and asked him, he said he had misfiled some by accident and returned the two he still had. He also took his own handwritten notes out against the rules. The offence is knowingly removing classified material without authority.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Berger, No. 1:05-mj-00175 (D.D.C. 2005)
Read more at justice.gov. The source reveals the outcome.