SAN ANTONIO, November 3, 2026 — A military contractor faces federal charges after allegedly losing a classified national defense document and possessing multiple firearms at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Zachry Wade Carroll, 47, was arrested on Halloween 2026 on FBI-issued warrants, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Arrest and Charges
Carroll, an Air Force contractor from San Antonio, faces a total of four charges: one count of losing defense information, one count of making false statements, and two counts of possession of firearms in federal facilities. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 17 years in prison, the DOJ said.
The Lost Classified Document
The investigation into Carroll began in April 2025, focusing on the alleged loss of a classified document related to national defense. According to the indictment, Carroll failed to report the loss to a superior officer promptly. The technical reality here is straightforward: such documents are subject to strict handling protocols, and their loss—especially without immediate reporting—is a serious breach.
Firearms and Security Violations
In addition to the document mishandling, Carroll is accused of possessing firearms in restricted areas. In November 2025, he allegedly carried a .380 caliber firearm while working in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at JBSA-Kelly Annex. Authorities also found a loaded AR-15 with 85 rounds of ammunition and three magazines, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun with 20 rounds of ammunition and three magazines, in his vehicle on the base. When questioned, Carroll denied having the .380 on him, according to the DOJ.
Contractor Background
Carroll’s role as a contractor for the Air Force underscores the broader implications of this case. Contractors often handle sensitive information and work in secure facilities, making adherence to security protocols critical. The detail that matters here is the potential for such breaches to compromise national security, even if unintentionally.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
Carroll’s arrest marks the culmination of an investigation spanning over a year. He appeared in federal court on Monday, facing charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence. As ever, the legal process will scrutinize both the alleged loss of the document and the firearms violations, with the technical specifics of each charge likely to be central to the case.
Broader Implications for Base Security
This incident raises questions about security protocols at JBSA and other military installations. The presence of unauthorized firearms in a SCIF, a facility designed to handle highly classified information, is particularly concerning. Under the hood, this case may prompt a review of how contractors are vetted and monitored, as well as the enforcement of existing security measures.
Carroll’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. He remains in custody as the legal proceedings unfold.
Sources
- DOJ: Military contractor accused of losing a classified document, bringing weapons to JBSA
- JBSA contractor arrested after allegedly mishandling classified document, possessing firearms on base
Photo: media.defense.gov (Public domain (government work))
