Boeing Scientist Charged with Mishandling Govt Info

June 16, 2008— -- A former Boeing scientist who specialized in anti-missile systems for aircrafts was charged in federal court today with the unlawful retention of national defense information. Abraham Lesnik will plead guilty to the charge, his lawyer Marc Harris told ABCNews.com.

Agents in the FBI's foreign intelligence unit opened a criminal investigation into Lesnik in 2006 after questions were raised as to whether or not classified information ended up in the hands of unauthorized individuals, including foreigners.

While working for Boeing, Lesnik held a Department of Defense security clearance of Secret, Special Access, according to his resume. Lesnik was terminated by Boeing in January 2007. FBI agents maintained a 24-hour surveillance on his Los Angeles home for months.

He was arraigned today in federal court in Los Angeles. A trial date was set for August 12th.

Boeing would not comment on the case to ABCNews.com, but has stated previously that they cooperated with US investigators.