News Summary
Ewa Maria Ciszak, a 64-year-old Missile Defense Agency employee, faces federal charges for unlawfully removing classified documents from her workplace. Within a span of several months, federal agents witnessed her taking sensitive materials home, leading to a search warrant executed at her residence. Authorities uncovered classified documents marked ‘SECRET’. Ciszak has acknowledged violating federal laws regarding the handling of classified information and could face significant legal repercussions, including imprisonment. This incident raises concerns about the security protocols surrounding classified information at federal agencies.
Huntsville, Alabama – Ewa Maria Ciszak, a 64-year-old employee at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has been charged with unlawfully removing and retaining classified documents from her workplace. Federal charges stem from allegations that she tampered with sensitive materials between February 2025 and June 18, 2025.
Officials noted that federal agents observed Ciszak leaving the MDA with classified materials on several occasions, culminating in a decisive incident on June 18. On that date, a search warrant executed at her residence and personal belongings discovered classified documents marked with levels up to SECRET tucked away in her backpack and at her home.
Ciszak had been an employee of the MDA since January 30, 2023, holding a security clearance that allowed her access to sensitive information. The ongoing investigation is being carried out by the FBI’s Birmingham field office, which is receiving assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and other federal agencies.
Following her arrest on June 20 in Savannah, Georgia, Ciszak was released after posting a $25,000 bond. In the aftermath, she acknowledged in an interview that she had received training on the proper handling of classified documents. However, she admitted to removing sensitive details and taking them home, a clear violation of federal laws prohibiting such actions.
The charges against Ciszak are outlined under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1924(a), which makes it illegal for federal employees to knowingly remove classified documents without authorization. If convicted, she faces serious repercussions, including potential fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or a combination of both penalties.
The case is currently under prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Alabama. Although classified materials can frequently be sensitive in nature, they are essential for national security and the workings of various federal agencies. Unauthorized removal of such documents poses significant risks, necessitating strict adherence to protocols surrounding their handling.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the security of classified information within federal institutions. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are likely to focus on the systematic protections in place to prevent unauthorized access and distribution of sensitive materials, ensuring that similar situations do not arise in the future.
As the legal proceedings develop, the emphasis will be on reaffirming the importance of safeguarding classified information and maintaining the integrity of operations conducted by defense agencies, particularly those as crucial as the MDA.
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Additional Resources
- WAAY 31
- Wikipedia: Classified Information
- AL.com
- Google Search: classified documents security
- Newsweek
- Google Scholar: unauthorized removal of classified documents
- WHNT 19
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Classified Information
- Rocket City Now
- Google News: missile defense agency employee charged
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
