Topline: Monica Witt likely remains in Iran and continues to support hostile actions against the United States.
Published: May 19, 2026 12:00 pm ET
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Monica Witt (via FBI)
WASHINGTON, DC — The FBI announced it is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a former Air Force intelligence specialist charged with spying for Iran.
According to reports by CNN, federal officials said they are still trying to locate Monica Witt, who investigators believe defected to Iran in 2013. Bureau officials stated they believe Witt likely continues to support the hostile activities of the Iranian government.
Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, said in a statement published by CBS News that the bureau hasn’t forgotten the case. Wierzbicki noted that someone knows something about her whereabouts during this critical moment in the history of Iran.
The statement added that the FBI wants to hear from the public to help apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.
Witt previously served as a counterintelligence officer for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Her military employment lasted from 1997 to 2008, involving counterintelligence assignments in the Middle East. She later worked as a U.S. government contractor until 2010.
A federal grand jury indicted Witt in 2019 on espionage charges, including transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers alleged that Iranian officials targeted and recruited Witt before her defection.
Demers stated that Witt revealed the existence of a highly classified intelligence collection program to Iran. He also alleged she disclosed the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer, risking the life of that person.
The indictment alleged that from around January 2012 to around May 2015, Witt conspired with Iranians outside the United States. Prosecutors said she provided documents and information relating to national defense with the intent to injure the United States and advantage Iran.
According to the indictment, Iranian government officials provided Witt with housing and computer equipment after her defection to facilitate her work. Officials said Witt speaks Farsi, uses multiple aliases, and is believed to reside in Iran.
The 2019 indictment also charged four Iranian citizens. Prosecutors charged those individuals with conspiracy, attempts to commit computer intrusion, and aggravated identity theft.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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FBI Posts $200,000 Reward for Ex‑Air Force Specialist Wanted in Iran Spy Case
Monica Witt likely remains in Iran and continues to support hostile actions against the United States.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 19, 2026 12:00 pm ET
Monica Witt (via FBI)
WASHINGTON, DC — The FBI announced it is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a former Air Force intelligence specialist charged with spying for Iran.
According to reports by CNN, federal officials said they are still trying to locate Monica Witt, who investigators believe defected to Iran in 2013. Bureau officials stated they believe Witt likely continues to support the hostile activities of the Iranian government.
Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, said in a statement published by CBS News that the bureau hasn’t forgotten the case. Wierzbicki noted that someone knows something about her whereabouts during this critical moment in the history of Iran.
The statement added that the FBI wants to hear from the public to help apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.
Witt previously served as a counterintelligence officer for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Her military employment lasted from 1997 to 2008, involving counterintelligence assignments in the Middle East. She later worked as a U.S. government contractor until 2010.
A federal grand jury indicted Witt in 2019 on espionage charges, including transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers alleged that Iranian officials targeted and recruited Witt before her defection.
Demers stated that Witt revealed the existence of a highly classified intelligence collection program to Iran. He also alleged she disclosed the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer, risking the life of that person.
The indictment alleged that from around January 2012 to around May 2015, Witt conspired with Iranians outside the United States. Prosecutors said she provided documents and information relating to national defense with the intent to injure the United States and advantage Iran.
According to the indictment, Iranian government officials provided Witt with housing and computer equipment after her defection to facilitate her work. Officials said Witt speaks Farsi, uses multiple aliases, and is believed to reside in Iran.
The 2019 indictment also charged four Iranian citizens. Prosecutors charged those individuals with conspiracy, attempts to commit computer intrusion, and aggravated identity theft.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
FBI Posts $200,000 Reward for Ex‑Air Force Specialist Wanted in Iran Spy Case
Monica Witt likely remains in Iran and continues to support hostile actions against the United States.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 19, 2026 12:00 pm ET
Monica Witt (via FBI)
WASHINGTON, DC — The FBI announced it is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a former Air Force intelligence specialist charged with spying for Iran.
According to reports by CNN, federal officials said they are still trying to locate Monica Witt, who investigators believe defected to Iran in 2013. Bureau officials stated they believe Witt likely continues to support the hostile activities of the Iranian government.
Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, said in a statement published by CBS News that the bureau hasn’t forgotten the case. Wierzbicki noted that someone knows something about her whereabouts during this critical moment in the history of Iran.
The statement added that the FBI wants to hear from the public to help apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.
Witt previously served as a counterintelligence officer for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Her military employment lasted from 1997 to 2008, involving counterintelligence assignments in the Middle East. She later worked as a U.S. government contractor until 2010.
A federal grand jury indicted Witt in 2019 on espionage charges, including transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers alleged that Iranian officials targeted and recruited Witt before her defection.
Demers stated that Witt revealed the existence of a highly classified intelligence collection program to Iran. He also alleged she disclosed the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer, risking the life of that person.
The indictment alleged that from around January 2012 to around May 2015, Witt conspired with Iranians outside the United States. Prosecutors said she provided documents and information relating to national defense with the intent to injure the United States and advantage Iran.
According to the indictment, Iranian government officials provided Witt with housing and computer equipment after her defection to facilitate her work. Officials said Witt speaks Farsi, uses multiple aliases, and is believed to reside in Iran.
The 2019 indictment also charged four Iranian citizens. Prosecutors charged those individuals with conspiracy, attempts to commit computer intrusion, and aggravated identity theft.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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