An employee of the US Air Force, David Franklin Slater, has been accused of disclosing national secrets after allegedly falling victim to a romance scam online. Slater, a 63-year-old retired US Army lieutenant colonel from Nebraska, had been working at US Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base and held a top-secret security clearance from August 2021 to April 2022.
During his time with the US Strategic Command, Slater attended multiple secret briefings regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. It was reported that Slater developed a relationship with an individual he believed to be a woman from Ukraine through a foreign dating app. At the request of this person, he proceeded to disclose secret national defense information (NDI) acquired from these classified briefings through the same dating app.
The national defense information that Slater shared was classified as Secret, indicating that it could cause “serious damage” to national security if exposed. Messages from his co-conspirator in Ukraine requesting this sensitive information included inquiries about the location of Russian troops in Ukraine and expressions of gratitude for the insider information provided by Slater.
Following his arrest on March 2, Slater was charged with three counts of conspiracy to disclose secret information. The Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Matthew G. Olsen, condemned Slater’s actions as a blatant disregard for the security of the country and betrayal of his oath to protect classified information.
If convicted, Slater could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, along with three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for each count against him. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of falling for online scams and the severe consequences of compromising national security. The US government remains vigilant in safeguarding classified information and prosecuting individuals who betray the trust placed in them to protect sensitive data.
In conclusion, the case of David Franklin Slater highlights the importance of upholding security protocols and exercising caution when engaging with online contacts, especially when sensitive information is involved. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial to remember the ongoing efforts to prevent espionage and protect national security interests from internal threats.