The government employee at the center of the impeachment inquiry of President Trump has shown the power of whistleblower disclosures. But a case from almost a decade ago reveals the peril faced by those seeking to expose wrongdoing. Thomas Drake, a National Security Agency executive, attempted to report what he regarded as wasteful practices and warrantless spying on American citizens. His complaints were ignored, and despite a law meant to protect whistleblowers, the Justice Department issued a felony indictment against him. The case against Drake eventually fell apart, but by that time he was broke, his marriage had suffered, and he was ostracized. “He was kryptonite,” his defense lawyer said.