Officials said an Air Force civilian worker was accused with illegally communicating secret material about Russia's war against Ukraine to a lady purporting to be in Ukraine via a foreign dating website.
In a civilian job for U.S. Strategic Command, former Army lieutenant colonel David Slater, 63, was arrested Saturday, the Justice Department said Monday.
In a statement, Justice Department National Security Division associate attorney general Matthew G. Olsen said Slater acted “in blatant disregard for the security of his country and his oath to safeguard its secrets.”
Prosecutors said a lady who claimed to be in Ukraine received emails and texts on the dating platform from February to April 2022, including Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
The lady asked, "Beloved Dave, do NATO and Biden have a secret plan to help us?" in some messages, according to an indictment. saying “the supply of weapons is completely classified, which is great!” Another letter in the indictment said the woman was glad Slater had learned about a "specific" but unnamed country, adding: "I hope you will tell me straight away? The hidden agent is you. Much love."
The indictment claims that Slater supplied secret material “regarding military targets in Russia’s war against Ukraine” on March 28 and “regarding Russian military capabilities relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” on April 13.
“The DOJ will hold accountable individuals who knowingly and intentionally put their country at risk by leaking sensitive information," Olsen said. Slater pleaded not guilty in federal court Tuesday and was freed on conditions, court documents show.
Slater must give up his passport, stay in Nebraska, and use an internet-connected phone as long as authorities can watch it, according to The Associated Press. Slater's federal public defender did not reply to a request for comment Tuesday.
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