Pentagon Contractor Arrested for Storing Classified Information
In Washington, a contractor working for the Pentagon has been taken into custody, accused of improperly keeping classified materials, including details about foreign nations, at his home in Maryland. Reports indicate that Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones has been ordered by U.S. District Judge George Levi Russell III to remain in custody after his defense attorney expressed they were “not ready” for the proceedings during a federal court hearing in Baltimore.
Perez-Lugones, who has a background in IT and was previously a U.S. Navy officer, was cited in a criminal complaint that was unsealed recently after the FBI conducted a search at the residence of a Washington Post journalist. This journalist had described himself as a “federal government whisperer.”
The FBI’s investigation also involved a raid on the home of reporter Hannah Natanson, located near Alexandria, Virginia, as they looked into claims against the government contractor for storing national defense information unlawfully. During the raid, officials reportedly collected her cell phone, personal laptop, work laptop, and even a Garmin watch.
It remains unclear if Perez-Lugones actually provided any information to Natanson.
In a curious moment, a man who appeared to fit Natanson’s description answered the door when the Post inquired about the situation, stating, “I can’t talk.” Meanwhile, during a press conference, President Trump commented, “The leaker was found and he’s in jail now. That’s the leaker about Venezuela. A very bad leaker.”
Perez-Lugones has been in custody since January 8, which followed a search warrant executed at his Laurel, Maryland residence. Authorities reported finding “multiple documents marked as confidential,” according to a complaint filed the following day.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the administration won’t tolerate unlawful leaks that threaten national security and put military personnel at risk.
Federal prosecutors argued for his continued detention, citing concerns that he posed a danger to the community, referencing his more than 25 years of holding a security clearance. They indicated that releasing him would jeopardize the safety of the U.S. and its service members.
Prosecutors also asserted that maintaining detention would allow monitoring of his actions to prevent potential misuse of sensitive knowledge.
An affidavit linked to the indictment claims he wrongfully retained national defense information, which could carry a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison.
Perez-Lugones was employed as a systems engineer for a Maryland government contractor, where he had access to highly classified information and allegedly printed a screenshot of a classified foreign intelligence report last October. Additionally, he reportedly took notes that he concealed in black bags and transported home shortly before the FBI’s involvement.
Despite the challenges, Washington Post publisher Will Lewis defended Natanson, calling her one of their most skilled journalists. He noted her determination to continue working and producing compelling stories, highlighting the resilient spirit of the publication.
The Washington Post has a significant history of advocating for their journalists in similar scenarios, particularly noted during their coverage of classified Pentagon documents related to the Vietnam War.
