WASHINGTON, D.C. – John Harold Rogers, a 64-year-old former senior adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison today for making false statements to federal investigators regarding the unauthorized sharing of sensitive Federal Reserve information with Chinese intelligence operatives. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Rogers was found guilty on February 3 after a federal jury deliberated for two days. He had misled investigators from the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Federal Reserve employees entrusted with America’s most sensitive economic information cannot sell out their country and their colleagues for personal gain.” In addition to the prison term, Judge Dabney Friedrich mandated 12 months of supervised release.
The investigation revealed that Rogers, who resided in Vienna, Virginia, had developed a relationship with a Chinese intelligence operative, Hummin Lee, beginning in 2017. Under the guise of conducting academic classes in China, Rogers provided classified Federal Reserve information that he was specifically asked to collect. He exploited his position, which granted him access to nonpublic information about U.S. monetary policy, to engage in these illicit activities.
Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General for the Federal Reserve Board, highlighted the implications of Rogers’ actions, stating, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who mislead and obstruct federal agents will be brought to justice.” The case underscores the ongoing commitment of federal agencies, including the FBI, to protect U.S. economic and national security against threats posed by foreign adversaries.
Rogers’ actions raise significant concerns about the security of sensitive information within federal institutions, particularly in light of his long-standing role in the Federal Reserve. As residents of Washington, D.C., reflect on this case, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding America’s economic integrity.
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