Bin Laden book writer under criminal probe

WASHINGTON -- U.S. military officials say a former Navy SEAL who wrote a firsthand account of the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden is under investigation for possibly disclosing classified information. He could face criminal charges.

Publication of Matt Bissonnette's book, "No Easy Day," in 2012 prompted a Pentagon inquiry that evolved several months ago into a criminal probe by the Justice Department.

A Pentagon spokeswoman, Navy Cmdr. Amy Derrick-Frost, said the matter has been under review since it was first learned that Bissonnette published the book without first submitting it for Pentagon review. The Pentagon said in September 2012 that its post-publication review determined the book contained classified information.

Derrick-Frost said Friday the investigation has "followed its natural course" and could result in legal action. She declined to provide specifics.