You are correct, classified info is not handled by those without a clearance in the normal course of events. However there are occasions where non-cleared people come into contact with it, usually by accident. Our company policy, designed to comply with the security regulations imposed on us by the government, must take into account situations where a breach of security occurs and therefore we must train non-cleared employees how to properly react.
Part of that training includes spelling out the consequences of knowingly disclosing classified materials, irregardless of how they were obtained, as dictated by the Espionage Act.
Unfortunately, as Sandy Berger has so aptly demonstrated, the Act has little real power. Most just get a slap on the wrist and a stern admonishment not to let it happen again. But this may be different since the NYT has circulation in the millions...now that is mass dissemination.
No, that's not what the Espionage Act says. But if you think it does, please provide the specific citation from the U.S. Code.
I almost wish you were correct, because the orginal Espionage Act of 1917 would put the entire staff and management of the Slimes and ComPost into Leavenworth for the next 10 years.