close
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.
Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Having trouble? Click here.
A civilian employee at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska was indicted after he allegedly sent classified National Defense Information (NDI) electronically to a person he met on a foreign online dating platform in 2022.
According to the indictment, 63-year-old David Franklin Slater, of Nebraska, worked in a classified space with the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base, from August 2021 until April 2022.
While working there, Slater held a Top Secret clearance, the U.S. Department of Justice said, and he took the position after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army.
Slater allegedly “willingly, improperly, and unlawfully” sent NDI that was classified as “SECRET,” with reason to believe the information could be used against the U.S. or to aid a foreign country, to a person on a foreign online dating platform who was not authorized to receive the information.
WHO IS JACK TEIXEIRA, THE AIR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN BEHIND LEAKED CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS?
Department of Justice inscription is seen on athe headquarter’s building in Washington, D.C., United States on October 20, 2022. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“As alleged, Mr. Slater, an Air Force civilian employee and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, knowingly transmitted classified national defense information to another person in blatant disregard for the security of his country and his oath to safeguard its secrets,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division said. “The Department of Justice will seek to hold accountable those who knowingly and willfully put their country at risk by disclosing classified information.”
The indictment says Slater attended USSTRATCOM briefings on Russia’s war against Ukraine and was privy to information classified as TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI).
After meeting a person through a foreign online dating website, who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine, Slater allegedly transmitted NDI that he acquired during the briefings to them between February 2022 and April 2022.
JACK TEIXEIRA PLEADS GUILTY TO LEAKING PENTAGON CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
David Franklin Slater is accused of transmitting classified information to a person he met on a foreign dating site from February 2022 until April 2022. (Adobe Stock )
The indictment claims the co-conspirator asked Slater to send her the information that was sensitive, closely held and classified, calling him her “secret informant love” and her “secret agent.”
At her request, Slater would then send the person the information, which included military targets and Russian military capabilities.
Slater is expected to be in court on March 5 in the District of Nebraska, and if convicted of the crimes, he could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count.
CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Certain responsibilities are incumbent to individuals with access to Top Secret information. The allegations against Mr. Slater challenge whether he betrayed those responsibilities,” U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr for the District of Nebraska said. “We look forward to continuing our work with the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations to ensure the safety of our country.”
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
New research suggests Mars could have enough water under its surface to form a global…
The Perseid meteor shower peaks late Sunday night, and given that it will be paired…
An Italian-led team of scientists say they have confirmed evidence of a sizable cave on…
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is now threatening to force a vote on a measure…
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took to social media to call out critics who say President…
Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who served with President Biden in Congress for over 20…