A former Massachusetts Air National Guard member accused of leaking highly classified military documents has been ordered to remain behind bars as he awaits trial in the United States.

Jack Teixeira appeared in federal court in Worcester, Massachusetts, where Magistrate Judge David Hennessy weighed prosecutors’ request that the 21-year-old should remain locked up ahead of the closely watched trial.

In handing down Friday’s decision, Hennessy indicated that Teixeira may be unreliable, given that the case hinged on the allegation that the 21-year-old had broken his “word that he would protect information related to the security of the United States”.

Hennessy also addressed the gravity of the accusations against Teixeira. “Who did he put at risk? I mean, you could make a list as long as a phone book,” the judge said, referencing the alleged leak.