Nebraska Air Force employee indicted for emailing classified information

OMAHA, Neb. — David Franklin Slater, a 63-year-old civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force, residing in Nebraska, was arrested on Saturday, March 2, after being indicted in the District of Nebraska. The charges against him involve the alleged transmission of classified national defense information (NDI) on a foreign online dating platform from February 2022 to April 2022. Slater, who served at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, was associated with the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).

The indictment accuses Slater of transmitting classified information labeled as "SECRET" to an unauthorized recipient on the foreign dating platform. Slater had access to classified briefings regarding Russia's conflict with Ukraine, some of which were classified as TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI). He allegedly shared sensitive information, including details about military targets and Russian military capabilities related to the Ukraine conflict.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that Slater knowingly jeopardized national security by disclosing classified information. U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr for the District of Nebraska expressed concern over the breach of trust and highlighted ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to safeguard the country's security.

The FBI Omaha Field Office, in conjunction with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, is leading the investigation into Slater's actions. Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office underscored the commitment to protect national security and hold individuals accountable for unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

Slater was scheduled to appear in court today to face charges that could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of conspiracy to transmit and the transmission of national defense information. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Kleine for the District of Nebraska and Trial Attorney Emma Dinan Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

It's important to note that an indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.