Chief Petty Officer Bryce S. Pedicini, a US sailor who served in Japan, was found guilty at a general court martial for attempted espionage, failure to obey a lawful order, and attempted violation of a lawful general order. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service stated that Pedicini will be sentenced on May 7. NCIS Director Omar Lopez emphasized that this guilty verdict was holding Pedicini accountable for betraying his country and fellow service members, citing the relentless attempts of adversaries to degrade US military superiority.
Pedicini faced charges earlier in the year, including 14 counts of espionage and communication of defense information, as well as failure to obey a lawful order by not reporting a foreign contact or the solicitation of classified information from him by a foreigner. He was serving on the USS Higgins (DDG-76) in Japan at the time of the offenses. The Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s office was contacted for comment from Pedicini’s attorney, but no response was included in the report.
The incidents leading to Pedicini’s arrest occurred in May 2023 when he wrongfully transported classified information, including photographs of a classified computer screen that he attempted to transfer to a foreign government. The Navy charge sheet revealed that Pedicini shared classified information with a citizen and employee of a foreign government on at least six occasions, starting from November 2022 while he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. The identity of the specific foreign government involved was not disclosed in the charge sheet.
Originally from Tennessee, Pedicini enlisted in the Navy in 2008 and had a decorated career, serving on the USS McFaul for nearly seven years and the USS Curtis Wilbur for over five years before his assignment to the USS Higgins. He was promoted to Chief Fire Controlman in August 2022 and received recognition for his service with three Good Conduct Medals and the National Defense Service Medal. The details of Pedicini’s sentencing and any further developments were not provided in the report.
In conclusion, the case of Chief Petty Officer Bryce S. Pedicini serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding national security and military integrity. His actions, resulting in charges of attempted espionage and violating lawful orders, highlight the potential risks posed by individuals betraying their country and exposing classified information. The guilty verdict against Pedicini underscores the seriousness of such offenses and the commitment of authorities to hold individuals accountable for jeopardizing national security. Moving forward, the sentencing of Pedicini on May 7 will determine the consequences of his actions and reinforce the consequences faced by those who breach the trust and responsibilities of military service.
