(The Epoch Times)—A federal grand jury has indicted a Maryland government contractor on charges of illegally transmitting and retaining classified national defense information, alleging he shared sensitive military intelligence reports with a Washington Post reporter.
Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, 61, of Laurel, Maryland, faces five counts of unlawful transmission and one count of unlawful retention under the Espionage Act, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Perez-Lugones, who held a top-secret security clearance for two decades while working as a contractor, is accused of accessing, printing, and removing classified reports from secure facilities between March 2025 and January 2026. Prosecutors say he then provided portions of those documents to a reporter, who cited them in at least five published articles.
A search of Perez-Lugones’s home and car earlier resulted in the discovery of documents marked “SECRET,” including one in a lunch box.
The reports contained intelligence about foreign adversaries’ military capabilities, according to court documents.
Federal authorities said their agencies will continue to aggressively investigate any cases it perceives as threats to national security.
“Illegally disclosing classified defense information is a grave crime against America that puts both our national security and the lives of our military heroes at risk,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.
“Perez-Lugones allegedly printed and removed classified documents from his workplace on multiple occasions, took them home, and later passed them to a reporter who used the information in news articles,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “Protecting our country’s secrets is essential to the safety of our most sensitive intelligence, military, and law enforcement operations.”
Perez-Lugones’s attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He is scheduled for an arraignment in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
The case gained attention after FBI agents raided the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Jan. 14 as part of the investigation. Federal authorities seized a phone, two laptops, a recorder, a portable hard drive, and a Garmin watch during the search, according to court filings.
The Washington Post said Natanson, who covers federal workers within the Trump administration and acquired more than a thousand sources, was informed she is not a target of the probe and that the newspaper received a subpoena related to Perez-Lugones.
A federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked prosecutors from reviewing the seized materials on Wednesday, pending further arguments. U.S. Magistrate Judge William B. Porter issued the order after Natanson’s lawyers argued the search violated protections for journalists.
Critics of the search say it represents a major threat to press freedom.
According to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press—which tracks issues affecting First Amendment freedoms as they relate to members of the media—the raid on Natanson’s home marks the first time in U.S. history that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has raided a journalist’s home in connection with a national security leak.
Joseph Lord contributed to this report.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.
