DOD contractor charged with leaking classified documents to reporter

Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, a systems administrator for the Pentagon, was indicted by a Maryland grand jury on Jan. 22, 2026, for allegedly mishandling classified information and sharing it with an unnamed journalist.

Perez-Lugones was initially arrested Jan. 8 and charged with unlawful retention of national defense information after agents found classified materials in his home and vehicle. He was subsequently indicted on five counts of transmission of national defense information.

According to the indictment, between October 2025 and January 2026 Perez-Lugones “repeatedly accessed classified reports, printed or copied the information in these classified reports, and then removed this classified information from the sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) where he worked.”

A search warrant for his phone also revealed that he had allegedly communicated with a reporter via an encrypted messaging app, including sharing copies of the classified materials and voice notes explaining them, the indictment said.

In a statement announcing the indictment, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Darren Cox said, “Today’s indictment sends a clear message to all clearance holders that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource to immediately identify and hold accountable those who violate the law by disclosing classified information without authorization.”

While the reporter with whom Perez-Lugones allegedly corresponded is not named in the indictment, details suggest that it is Hannah Natanson, a reporter for The Washington Post who covers President Donald Trump’s reshaping of the government.

Natanson’s home was raided by federal agents in the early hours of Jan. 14, and FBI agents seized her phone, Garmin watch, and two laptops — one personal and one issued by the Post. The Washington Post was also subpoenaed for any communications between Perez-Lugones and Natanson or other Post employees.

Perez-Lugones is believed to be the first individual to be charged for allegedly sharing confidential information with the press under Trump’s second administration. However, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have each announced aggressive investigations into the source of leaks to the media.

During Trump’s first administration, eight people were investigated and charged by the Justice Department for allegedly sharing confidential information with the press.