NYS Private Sector Employment Down 800 in October 2024

Statewide Unemployment Rate Held Steady at 4.4%

According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 800, or less than 0.1%, to 8,391,200 in October 2024. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. decreased by less than 0.1% in October 2024 as well.

New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 104,300, or 1.3%, over the year in October 2024, which was greater than the 1.2% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.

New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in October 2024. At the same time, New York State's labor force (seasonally adjusted) decreased by 3,400. The statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.2% in October 2024.

The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, October 2023 versus October 2024.

Statewide Industry Employment

October 2024 – Seasonally Adjusted

• On a net basis, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the state decreased by 10,900 over the month, while private sector jobs decreased by 800 in October 2024.
• At the same time, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the nation increased by 12,000, while private sector jobs decreased by 28,000.

NYS and Nation Had Small Private Sector Losses

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, September 2024 – October 2024

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Down in October 2024 Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), January 1990 – October 2024 Statewide Unemployment October 2024 – Seasonally Adjusted The statewide unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in October 2024. New York City’s unemployment rate increased from 5.3% to 5.4%. In the rest of the state, the unemployment rate decreased from 3.7% to 3.6% in October 2024. The number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased over the month by 1,100 from 426,800 in September to 425,700 in October 2024. NYS Unemployment Rate Unchanged Over the Month Labor Force Statistics, October 2023, September 2024 – October 2024 Labor Force Decreased and Number of Unemployed Decreased in October Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, January 2009 – October 2024 Unemployment Rate Unchanged in NYS and US Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, January 2009 – October 2024 Unemployment Rate Increased in NYC, Decreased in Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, January 2009 – October 2024 Substate and Industry Employment  October 2024 – Not Seasonally Adjusted New York State Gained Private Sector Jobs Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, October 2023 – October 2024

 

Note: The sum of sub-state area job estimates will usually differ from the New York State total. This is because the State total is calculated separately from the sub-state areas and is estimated based on an independent sample.

Private Education and Health Services Jobs Increased by 5.4% Over the Year

Over-the-Year Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector, October 2023 – October 2024

*Government includes public education and public health services.

Note: The responsibility for the production of monthly estimates of state and metro area nonfarm employment by industry moved from the NYS Department of Labor’s Division of Research and Statistics to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), starting with the March 2011 estimates. More detailed information on the change is available on the BLS web site.

Many economic data series have a seasonal pattern, which means they tend to occur at the same time each year (e.g., retail jobs usually increase in December). Seasonal adjustment is the process of removing seasonal effects from a data series. This is done to simplify the data so that they may be more easily interpreted and help to reveal true underlying trends. Seasonal adjustment permits comparisons of data from one month to data from any other month.

In New York State, payroll jobs data by industry come from a monthly survey of business establishments conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data are preliminary and subject to revision. Jobs data by industry do not include agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers, or domestic workers in private households.

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate is based partly upon the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York each month.

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Manhattan Franciscan Friar Pleads Guilty To Fraud Related To Fake Medical Charity In Beirut, Lebanon

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PAWEL BIELECKI, a/k/a “Paul HRH Saxe-Coburg-Gotha,” a Manhattan-based Franciscan friar, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti to one count of wire fraud for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to obtain donations for a fake medical charity in Beirut, Lebanon.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This case serves as a stark reminder that fraudsters can exploit even the most noble causes for personal gain.  Pawel Bielecki’s deceptive actions not only robbed individuals of their hard-earned money but also undermined the spirit of generosity that drives charitable giving. This Office is committed to holding accountable those who take advantage of well-meaning donors and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of charitable organizations in our communities.” 

According to the allegations contained in the Information, plea agreement, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

BIELECKI is a friar in the Capuchin Order, a Catholic order of priests and brothers, who is based out of a friary in New York City.  BIELECKI engaged in a fraudulent scheme related to fake medical clinics he claimed to operate in Lebanon.  Through appearances and advertisements on radio programs and online podcasts, as well as various other media, including campaigns on various crowdfunding websites, BIELECKI fraudulently obtained more than $560,000 in donations from victims by claiming, among other misrepresentations, to run medical clinics in Beirut, Lebanon, when in fact BIELECKI was keeping victims’ donations for his personal use.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by BIELECKI, please contact Special Agent Sean Smyth, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at (914) 993‑1900 or by following the instructions available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/report-crime. 

BIELECKI, 48, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation.

DEC Announces Regular Firearms Season for Deer and Bear Hunting in the Southern Zone Begins Nov. 16

 

DEC Encourages Hunters to Test Deer Harvested in Southern Herkimer and Northern Otsego Counties for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the state's most popular big game hunting season begins on Saturday, Nov. 16, and continues through Dec. 8. With an estimated 470,000 licensed hunters participating, approximately 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest occurs during this season.

DEC is simultaneously responding to an isolated detection of Chronic Wasting Disaes (CWD) in a captive deer facility in southern Herkimer County. While there is no evidence that CWD is present in wild deer at this time, DEC is enhancing CWD surveillance in the area and requesting successful deer hunters in the area submit the deer’s head to DEC for CWD testing.

Hunters Can Help Prevent the Introduction of CWD into Wild Deer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is an always fatal deer disease that threatens New York's wild white-tailed deer and moose populations. When introduced into wild deer, CWD can spread rapidly, is nearly impossible to eliminate, and threatens future deer hunting opportunities. Hunters can help prevent the introduction of CWD into New York’s wild deer populations by taking the following precautions:

Hunting Outside of New York

• If you harvest any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou while hunting outside of New York, debone the venison before bringing it back into New York. DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported deer carcasses and parts;
• If you harvest a deer from an area outside of New York known to have CWD, submit samples to that state’s Department of Natural Resources for CWD testing before consuming the venison. If the test is positive for CWD, contact DEC for proper disposal of the venison.

Hunting in New York

• Avoid using deer urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain CWD. Use synthetic products instead;
• Dispose of deer carcass waste in a landfill, not on the landscape; and
• Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles.

DEC is requesting that successful deer hunters in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, Litchfield, Warren, or Winfield in Herkimer County, and the town of Richfield in Otsego County submit the deer’s head for CWD testing at one of seven drop-off locations (instructions and addresses below). Taxidermists can sample deer intended to be mounted.

Deer head drop-off instructions

1. Cut the deer head off with some neck remaining.
2. Keep the head chilled or frozen until submission to DEC.
3. Remove the skull plate and antlers on bucks before submission.
4. Place the head in a plastic garbage bag.
5. Label the bag with your name, address, and phone number and complete the DEC tag at the drop-off location.
6. Deposit the bagged head in the white metal container at one of the drop-off locations below.

Deer head drop-off locations

Town of Warren

• 131 Hyde-Bell Lane, Jordanville NY 13361 (highway department)

Town of Columbia

• 936 Jordanville Road, Ilion NY 13367 (sand building)
• 147 County Route 259, Ilion NY 13357 (town hall)

Town of Litchfield

• 804 Cedarville Road, Ilion NY 13357 (highway department)

Town of Winfield

• 306 Stone Road, West Winfield NY 13491(highway department)

Town of Herkimer

• 225 North Main Street, Herkimer NY 13350 (Herkimer NYSDEC Office)

Town of Richfield

• Boss Farm, 1545 County Route 25, Richfield Springs 13439

Continuing New York's Record of Safe Hunting

DEC is encouraging all hunters to continue to take steps to remain safe while afield. Most hunting-related injuries occur when hunters are climbing in and out of a tree stand. Hunters should Strap Up Before You Go Up to stay connected from the time leaving the ground to the time they get back down, read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings before using a tree stand, check all stands (including straps and chains) before every season, and replace any worn or missing parts. Never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded firearm.

Daily hunting hours for deer and bear include the full daylight period, beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and continuing until 30 minutes after sunset. These hunting hours ensure there is enough light for hunters to identify their target and what’s beyond, while maximizing opportunities to harvest deer and bear in the early morning and late afternoon when these species are most active. Hunters should check the sunrise and sunset times before hunting each day.

Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing (either a hat, vest, or jacket which are visible in all directions) when pursuing deer or bear with a firearm, and should always follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

• Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow - Harvest a Doe

As a result of DEC’s Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow campaign and hunters’ willingness to voluntarily pass up opportunities to harvest young bucks, New York continues to document a steady decrease in the percentage of yearling bucks (1.5 years old) in the buck harvest, with the percentage of older bucks (at least 2.5 years old) in the harvest continuing to increase. As a result, more older bucks are being harvested in New York than ever before. By harvesting does instead of young bucks, hunters help keep deer populations in balance with available habitat which allows deer to meet their nutritional requirements for body and antler growth and fawn production. Hunters can help manage New York's deer herd by continuing to let young bucks go and harvesting at least one doe this hunting season.

Opportunities for Youth Hunters

Once again this year, 12- and 13-year-old hunters may hunt deer with a firearm during the regular firearms season when accompanied by a licensed, experienced adult mentor. This pilot program was established in 2021 and extended through 2025 for upstate counties that choose to participate. The program does not apply to Westchester or Suffolk counties; Erie and Rockland counties have not opted in to the program.

Take It - Tag It - Report It

It has never been easier for hunters to report their deer, bear, or turkey harvest using DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app. Through the mobile app, hunters can access an electronic version of their hunting license and tags and report their harvests immediately using their mobile device. Hunters can also report their harvest by calling (1-866-GAME-RPT) or through DEC's website. Reporting your harvest within seven days is required by law and provides critical data to inform DEC’s management of deer, bear, and turkey populations.

Other Reminders for the 2024-25 Southern Zone Regular Hunting Season

• Choose non-lead ammunition for reduced risk of lead exposure to you and non-target wildlife.

• Hunters can donate venison to help those less fortunate while contributing to deer management.
• For the first time this season, big game hunters can use rifles in Niagara County.
• Back tags no longer need to be worn by hunters anywhere in the state.
• Hunting licenses and tags are being printed on plain paper. It is the hunter’s responsibility to protect their license and tags. Carcass tags must still be filled out, dated, signed, and attached to the animal as required by regulation. DEC suggests storing licenses and tags in a waterproof bag or container while hunting and placing the completed carcass tag in a zip-top bag or other reusable waterproof protector and securely fastening it to the deer, bear, or turkey to ensure the tag remains protected and legible.
• For specific descriptions of regulations and open hunting areas, hunters should refer to the 2024-2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide (PDF). Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide before going afield.
• New York State is currently experiencing active wildfires – be sure to check fire danger maps before heading afield and take steps to reduce wildfire risks.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Agriculture Report Reveals Economic Growth and Challenges Facing New York Farms

 

More State Investment and Policies Can Create New Opportunities for Family Farms and a Reliable Food Supply

The critical role farms play in New York cannot be overstated, both as an economic engine for their communities and an essential part of our food supply system. They employ thousands of people and contributed $2.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022. Access to fresh, healthy food also adds to the quality of life in the state, but this local food supply was put to the test during the pandemic, and there are ongoing threats to this industry as outlined in a new report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“New York’s diverse farms are an essential part of the state’s economy, but there are increasing challenges that are changing the agricultural landscape,” said DiNapoli. “Volatile commodity prices, labor pressures and extreme weather are adding to the unpredictability of farming that is contributing to the consolidation and the loss of farms. Policymakers must consider the ways in which state programs and policies affect this sector.”

The new report analyzed recent economic and industry data, including the 2022 United States Department of Agriculture Census released this year. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of farming across upstate New York along with Long Island and New York City. The report includes an analysis of state programs and tax benefits for farmers.

Among the Findings:

• New York has several agricultural products ranked in the top 3 nationwide, including beets, apples, maple syrup, cabbage and milk.
• New York farms grossed $8.5 billion in income in 2022, a 47.8% increase from 2017 to 2022.
• Agritourism and recreation in 2022 saw the largest increase in farm-related income, a 78% jump since 2012.
• Research from Cornell University found that farming and related supporting businesses directly supported 163,148 jobs in New York in 2019.
• In 2022, New York’s farms paid a total of $6.2 billion in expenses, an increase of $1.9 billion from 2017. From 2012 to 2022, hired labor expenditures grew by 68%, far surpassing other categories.
• New York provides tax benefits for farms, saving farmers an estimated $254 million in property and income taxes in 2022.
• Despite economic growth, between 2012 and 2022, the state lost close to 14% of its farms and over 9% of farmland. New York is losing farms and land at a faster rate than the U.S. and all neighboring states except Connecticut (farms) and Massachusetts (farmland).
• The overall decline of farmland is troubling, as conversion to other uses, particularly residential, commercial or industrial, may prevent its use for farming in the future. This includes 1,728 acres located in agricultural districts classified as solar electric generation facilities.

While agriculture faces challenges identified in the report, there are opportunities to support the state’s farms. DiNapoli recommends the state:

• Provide additional support for direct to customer or direct to institution marketing, to help farmers increase the share of New York produced food sold in the state.
• Support research and extension services for the development and adoption of climate change resistant crops and measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and hard to predict changes in seasonal weather patterns. While the state has adopted programs to protect farmland, it should continue to evaluate the efficacy of these policies in siting of renewable energy facilities on lands other than productive farmland.
• Promote supportive policies for new farmers that include training programs.

Report
A Profile of Agriculture in New York State

DCAS Announces Major Expansion of Automotive Fleet Internship Program

  

DCAS has expanded the Automotive Internship Program to now include spring and summer cohorts, making the program year-round for New York City youth.  

Pictured above: DCAS Automotive Fleet Interns on the job, working on a City vehicle.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced a major expansion of its automotive fleet internship program for high school students. Initially expanded to include a spring cohort in 2023, the program will now offer city high school students the opportunity for hands-on automotive training all year round, bridging a vital gap in automotive education. The internship is also a critical component of the City’s direct pipeline from automotive high schools to City employment.    “This administration has made great strides in advancing educational and career opportunities for our young people. Together, we're ensuring they are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce, and we're proud to announce this latest step with our expansion of the beloved DCAS Automotive Internship,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “By expanding the Automotive Internship Program to a year-round model, we’re fortifying a direct path from our public schools to public service for our city's youth. This initiative exemplifies this administration's commitment to bridging opportunity gaps, strengthening New York City's workforce, and supporting the next generation of City leaders.”    “Our mission is to strengthen the workforce and help the youth gain skills for their future careers; with this expansion to our automotive internship program, we’re accomplishing both of these important goals,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “This program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to work in the automotive industry, while also and paving the way for City employment. We are thrilled to welcome this latest cohort to City service as we continue to double-down on our efforts to connect and engage our city’s youth with meaningful programs.”    "We commend DCAS for expanding its automotive fleet internship program, which has connected nearly 500 high school students to paid on the job training at some of the largest city agencies. Today's announcement ensures more of the city's youth will be well positioned for career opportunities as skilled automotive technicians, " said Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal. "Investing in training models that braid learning and earning while creating career pathways to good paying civil service jobs will addresses a critical talent need and helps make our city's economy both more prosperous and more inclusive.”    Last week, on November 4, the agency welcomed its latest cohort to the automotive internship, with 14 students from across the city participating. Since 2015, DCAS has managed the fleet internship at fleet repair garages, and to date, nearly 500 New York City youth have participated in the program. Through the DCAS automotive internship, students gain invaluable skills and paid internship experience by performing maintenance and repairs on city vehicles from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and NYC Parks garages.    Further leaning into education for all of the city’s youth, this month, DCAS, in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOT), also launched a new school year for the Truck Safety Experience program. The DOT Truck Experience Program is an effort that started in Fall 2021 to provide elementary school students with vital knowledge on how to safely interact with trucks in their neighborhood. DCAS has supported the program by working with City agencies and MTA to provide two trucks/buses to visit a different elementary school each week. DCAS’s own renewable diesel fuel truck has been at many of these sessions.    “We applaud DCAS for the work it does to build critical career pathways and unlock educational opportunities for New York’s brightest minds,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Programs like the Automotive Fleet Internship and the Truck Safety Experience teach our students life-changing skills, while developing a talent pool that will fuel our city’s economy and foster inclusivity years to come.”      “For well over a decade, DCAS has partnered with NYC Public Schools to offer hands-on automotive internships at City repair garages at agencies including NYPD, DSNY, FDNY, DOT, and Parks,” states Keith Kerman, Deputy Commissioner at DCAS and NYC’s Chief Fleet Officer. “Nearly 500 students have participated. Previously a summer program, for the first time we are now hosting interns year-round with our new spring and fall programs. High school students are getting their first work experience, learning about fleet safety and sustainability, and are on a path to City employment in these critical technical roles. Thanks to all our partner agencies.”    The Fleet Internship program builds on the Adams Administration’s efforts to expand municipal work to more New Yorkers than ever before. In April, Mayor Adams launched "Run This Town,” a $1 million multi-media advertising campaign to engage diverse New Yorkers and help them apply for thousands of available city government jobs. The “Run This Town” campaign was preceded by the launch of "Jobs NYC," a multi-pronged citywide effort to reduce barriers to economic opportunities and deliver workforce development services directly to communities across the five boroughs that are experiencing high unemployment. In September 2024, the administration announced that as part of Jobs NYC, 8,500 New Yorkers had been connected to jobs and free training resources at 26 hiring halls over six months in neighborhoods with the highest unemployment rate.    Under Mayor Adams' leadership, the city has made historic investments towards young people's career success. In 2023, Mayor Adams announced a $600 million young adult action plan, “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy: An action Plan for Young Adult Career Success,” which has a specific focus on addressing decades of employment disparities with strategies to create programs that embed career readiness, work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships in their design.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services  The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:      Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.    Managing 55 public buildings.    Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.    Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.    Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.    Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.    Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

U.S. Government Employee Charged with Two Counts of Unlawfully Transmitting National Defense Information

 

A U.S. government employee working overseas was charged with unlawfully transmitting two highly sensitive classified documents last month.

According to court documents, Asif William Rahman, 34, held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance as part of his role working for the U.S. government. According to an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia on Nov. 7, Rahman, on or about Oct. 17, retained without authorization two documents classified at the Top Secret/SCI level, which contained information relating to national defense, and transmitted those documents to a person not entitled to receive them.

Rahman made his initial appearance in federal court in Guam on Nov. 14. The court ordered Rahman’s continued detention and removal from the District of Guam for further court hearings in the Eastern District of Virginia.

The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.