Former Army Colonel sentenced for sharing classified battle plans

Retired officer sent secret military documents to impress a woman he met online

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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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 in an attempt to impress her. Retired combat veteran Kevin Charles Luke, 62, had 'top secret' clearance at the Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base when he texted a photo of the classified plans to the woman in October 2024. Luke pleaded guilty to unauthorized communication of classified information but claimed he did it simply to impress the woman, not for treason or financial gain.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of mishandling classified military information, even if the intent was not malicious. It raises concerns about security protocols and the potential risks posed by personnel with high-level clearances sharing sensitive data, especially in personal relationships.

The details

In October 2024, Luke, who was working as a high-level civilian contractor at US military headquarters in Tampa, texted a photo of classified battle plans to a woman he had met online. The image showed a classified email message with details about the date of a military operation, the number of targets, and battle plans. The email 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 as an act of treason or for financial gain. However, the woman later reported him to authorities, leading to a federal investigation and Luke's guilty plea.

  • In October 2024, Luke sent the classified photo to the woman.
  • Roughly two months later, Luke broke up with the woman, who then reported him to authorities.

The players

Kevin Charles Luke

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

Central Command

The US military headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where Luke was working.

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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, Retired Army Colonel (Tampa Bay Times)

“This is a difficult sentencing.”

— Judge James Moody, US District Judge (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks and consequences of mishandling classified military information, even if the intent was not malicious. It underscores the need for robust security protocols and heightened vigilance among personnel with high-level clearances, especially when it comes to personal relationships and communications.