Retired Army Colonel Sentenced for Leaking War Plans

Kevin Charles Luke shared classified military information with a woman he met online.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A retired Army colonel, Kevin Charles Luke, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for unlawfully transmitting national defense information. Luke, who spent nearly 40 years in active-duty and reserve roles before retiring as a colonel in 2018, later worked as a civilian for US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and held a top-secret clearance. In October 2024, he texted a photo of a classified email from his government account to a woman he had met online, revealing details about a planned US military operation.

Why it matters

The unauthorized release of classified military information can pose serious risks to national security. This case highlights the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive government data, even by retired personnel who may still have access to such information.

The details

Authorities say that in October 2024, Luke texted a photo of a classified email from his government account to the woman, using his personal phone. The photo revealed details about a planned US military operation, including the targets, execution method, and goal of the operation. The woman reported Luke to authorities after they broke up around two months later.

  • In October 2024, Luke texted the classified information to the woman.
  • In December 2024, the woman reported Luke to authorities after they broke up.

The players

Kevin Charles Luke

A 62-year-old retired Army colonel who spent nearly 40 years in active-duty and reserve roles before retiring in 2018. He later worked as a civilian for US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and held a top-secret clearance.

US Central Command

The unified combatant command of the United States Armed Forces responsible for the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

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What they’re saying

“This was, unfortunately, a tale as old as time. A man trying to impress a woman. The man ended the relationship. The woman later went to the government and told on him.”

— Mark O'Brien, Defense attorney (Tampa Bay Times)

“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 (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Luke to be released on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious consequences that can arise from the unauthorized disclosure of classified military information, even by retired personnel. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive government data and the risks of succumbing to personal impulses that could jeopardize national security.