2nd Marine officer charged with leaking intelligence

A second Marine officer at Camp Pendleton has been charged with leaking intelligence documents to civilian law enforcement between 2004 and 2006.

Major Mark A. Lowe, a reservist, is charged with conspiracy, dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming an officer and wrongful handling of national defense documents. Currently on active duty, he is a real estate broker in Florida in civilian life.

Lowe is the fourth Marine to be charged in the case, which involves the passing of documents about possible terrorist activities in Southern California to an anti-terrorism task force formed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Also charged are Col. Larry Richards, a reservist and detective with the sheriff's department; Master Sgt. Reinaldo Pagan, who is set for court martial in September; and Gunnery Sgt. Eric Froboese, who pleaded guilty last month and is awaiting sentencing.

In his plea, Froboese admitted that he knew the documents, including some from the CIA, were considered secret and not to be shared with anyone without clearance.

Pvt. Gary J. Maziarz was convicted in 2007 and sentenced to 26 months in the brig and a dishonorable discharge. He was reduced in rank from gunnery sergeant.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego