Former Army Colonel sentenced for sharing classified battle plans

Retired officer sent secret military documents to romantic interest

Feb. 11, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A former Army Colonel from Florida was sentenced to two years in prison for sending classified military battle plans to a woman he was dating online. Kevin Charles Luke, 62, was working as a high-level civilian contractor with 'top secret' clearance at the US military's Central Command headquarters in Tampa when he texted the woman a photo of an email containing details about a planned military operation.

Why it matters

The unauthorized sharing of classified military information, even if not for malicious purposes, raises serious national security concerns and can put service members at risk. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive government data, even by those with high-level security clearances.

The details

In October 2024, Luke texted the woman a photo of a classified email on his work computer at Central Command, writing 'Gives you a peek at what I do for a living.' The email contained details about the date, targets, and battle plans for a military operation, which was labeled 'SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY' - meaning it was only meant to be seen by authorized personnel in the 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance. Luke claimed he sent the text simply to impress the woman, not for any act of treason or financial gain.

  • In October 2024, Luke sent the classified military information to the woman.
  • Roughly two months later, Luke broke up with the woman, who then reported him to authorities.
  • On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, Luke was sentenced to two years in prison for the unauthorized communication of classified information.

The players

Kevin Charles Luke

A 62-year-old former Army Colonel from Florida who was working as a high-level civilian contractor with 'top secret' clearance at the US military's Central Command headquarters in Tampa.

Mark O'Brien

Luke's defense attorney.

Judge James Moody

The US District Judge who sentenced Luke to two years in prison.

Central Command

The US military headquarters in Tampa where Luke was working when he sent the classified information.

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What they’re saying

“I stand before you accepting full responsibility for my actions. What I did was wrong. I violated the trust placed in me and, sir, I am ashamed of that.”

— Kevin Charles Luke

“[His] betrayal of the nation's secrets—which disclosed a then-future military operation and put service members at risk—is deeply troubling.”

— Judge James Moody, US District Judge

“In a moment of bad judgment, he sent a text photo of his work to a woman he was seeing. There is no excuse for this. It was a split-second decision designed to impress a woman that only came to light months later, after he ended his relationship with the woman. He regrets his actions deeply.”

— Mark O'Brien, Luke's defense attorney

What’s next

With good behavior, Luke could end up serving 15 months or less of his two-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious consequences that can result from the unauthorized disclosure of classified military information, even if the intent was not malicious. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive government data, even by those with the highest security clearances.