A former U.S. Air Force employee shared classified information about the Russia-Ukraine war. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the ex-Air Force staff has been charged in federal court in Nebraska.
David Franklin Slater (63-year-old) was a civilian employee at Offutt Air Force Base. He worked in a classified space with USSTRATCOM (U.S. Strategic Command) from August 2021 until August 2022. However, he was indicted after he was discovered to be sending classified NDI (National Defense Information) to another individual on a foreign dating app.
US Air Force Employee Shares Classified Russia-Ukraine War Info
According to ABC News' latest report, Slater retired as an Army lieutenant colonel. Authorities stated that after he retired, he was assigned to USSTRATCOM.
While serving as a USSTRATCOM employee, he attended briefings between February and April 2022. These briefings focused on the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Before attending them, he signed paperwork pledging that he would not disclose classified information regarding the meetings. However, the Department of Justice said that he breached the agreement by sharing details on an online dating platform with an unindicted co-conspirator.
The unknown individual with who he shared the classified Russia-Ukraine war information was claimed to be a woman living in Ukraine. Prosecutors said that the unnamed woman repeatedly asked Slater for details regarding the briefings.
They added that the woman described the ex-Air Force employee as her "secret informant love."
What Russia-Ukraine War Details Were Shared
Prosecutors said that David Franklin Slater disclosed classified details about military targets, Russian capabilities, and other sensitive information to the Ukrainian woman.
They claimed that the former Air Force employee "willingly, improperly, and unlawfully' sent NDI via an online dating platform.
Officials warned that these classified details could be used against the United States or aid a foreign country. DOJ National Security Division Assistant Attorney-General Matthew G. Olsen accused Slater of disregarding his own country's safety.
"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," said the official.
"The Department of Justice will seek to hold accountable those who knowingly and willfully put their country at risk by disclosing classified information," he added via Fox News.
David Franklin Slater is expected to be trialed in court on Mar. 5 in the District of Nebraska. If he's found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000 for each count, and three years of supervised release.
