(AP) An information technology specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency was charged Thursday with trying to transmit classified information to a foreign government representative, the Justice Department said.

Prosecutors say Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested at a drop location. He had arranged to leave sensitive records for someone he believed was an official from a foreign nation. That person turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.

The Justice Department did not identify the foreign country. However, they described it as a friendly or allied nation.

It was not immediately clear if Laatsch, who was due to appear in court Friday, had a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

The investigation into Laatsch began in March after officials received a tip. The tip claimed he had offered to share classified material with another nation.

In an email, Laatsch said he “did not agree or align with the values of this administration.” He also expressed willingness to share intelligence documents he could access, according to prosecutors.

An undercover agent reached out to Laatsch. He then began transcribing classified information onto a notepad.

He also made plans to leave the material in a park where the supposed foreign representative could collect it.

At one drop-off this month, Laatsch left behind a thumb drive. It contained several typed documents marked Secret and Top Secret.

In return, prosecutors say Laatsch asked for citizenship in that country. He said he didn’t expect “things here to improve in the long term.”

He was arrested Thursday at a prearranged drop location. Authorities say he had made further plans to deliver more materials