A Retired Officer's Risky Online Romance
David Slater, a 64-year-old former Army lieutenant colonel, has admitted to sharing highly classified details about Russia's actions in Ukraine with an individual he met on a foreign dating site. Despite his extensive military background and subsequent role as a civilian at the U.S. Strategic Command, Slater allegedly disclosed sensitive information to an unknown person posing as a Ukrainian woman.
The Charges and Sentencing
- Plea Deal: Slater pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to share classified information.
- Charges Dropped: In exchange, two other charges were dismissed.
- Potential Sentence: He could face five years and ten months to seven years and three months in prison.
- Sentencing Date: The judge will determine his final sentence in October.
The Nature of the Classified Information
Slater had access to top-secret briefings regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite knowing the risks, he allegedly sent classified details through the dating site's messaging platform, including:
- Military targets
- Russian military capabilities
The Mystery of the Recipient
The individual Slater communicated with regularly requested classified information, referring to him as:
- "My secret informant love!"
- "My secret agent."
However, the identity and possible affiliation of this person remain unknown.
Background and Arrest
- Military Career: Slater retired from the Army in 2020.
- Civilian Role: He continued working in a classified position until April 2022.
- Arrest: He was arrested in March 2024.
The Broader Implications
Slater's case underscores the critical risks of sharing sensitive information, particularly with strangers online.