Overview
- Peter Williams, 39, pleaded guilty in Washington, D.C., to two counts of theft of trade secrets tied to national‑security software stolen between 2022 and 2025.
- Prosecutors say he removed at least eight protected cyber‑exploit components intended only for the U.S. government and select allies, causing more than $35 million in losses to the victim company.
- Williams received about $1.3 million, using the alias John Taylor, encrypted channels, and written contracts that promised follow‑on support for the exploits.
- Under the plea agreement, federal guidelines indicate a likely prison term of roughly 87 to 108 months, with sentencing set for January 27, 2026, and restitution of $1.3 million and potential fines up to $300,000.
- The employer is not named by DOJ but reporting identifies L3Harris Trenchant; authorities have moved to seize a D.C. home, bank and crypto funds, and luxury items, and Williams remains on home confinement with electronic monitoring.