Posted on 10/19/2009 3:51:46 PM PDT by SJackson
A scientist who worked for the US Defense Department, a White House space counsel and other agencies was arrested Monday on espionage charges.
Department said Stewart David Nozette, 52, of suburban Chevy Chase, Maryland, was charged in a criminal complaint with attempting to communicate, deliver and transmit classified information to an individual he believed to be an Israeli intelligence officer.
The complaint does not allege that the government of Israel or anyone acting on its behalf violated US law.
Nozette was arrested Monday by FBI agents. He is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in Washington on Tuesday.
In an affidavit supporting the complaint that was unsealed Monday, FBI agent Leslie Martell said that on September 3, Nozette received a telephone call from an individual purporting to be an Israeli intelligence officer. The caller was an undercover FBI agent.
Nozette agreed to meet with the agent later that day at a hotel in Washington and in the subsequent meeting the two discussed Nozette's willingness to work for Israeli intelligence.
Nozette allegedly informed the agent that he had, in the past, held top security clearances and had access to US satellite information, the affidavit said.
Nozette also was alleged to have said he would be willing to answer questions about this information in exchange for money. The affidavit said the agent explained that the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, would arrange for a communication system so Nozette could pass on information in a post office box.
Nozette agreed to provide regular, continuing information and asked for an Israeli passport, the government alleged.
Only if you were enticed to do something you weren’t already predisposed to do.
Good idea. Stuff is classified for a reason, just because Israel is our ally, doesn’t mean she needs full access to our secrets. The same with Britain, Japan, Germany and especially China.
I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know the significance of "thinking" you're passing classified information to another nation. I do know that passing classified information to anyone without the proper clearance and need can land you in jail. Accepting money, yes, it's espionage, though I don't know the actual charge. And catching this guy, it's catching someone who would actually commit espionage. He thought he was.
Is this the best use of resources? I don't know. Perhaps not. There are real agents out there.
This account is from an Israeli paper and they may be inaccurate..... lost in translation
It could well be that the FBI will come out with real espionage charges against Nozette. Acts where he actually handed over sensitive materials to a foreign power. So far all you have is the FBI impersonating Israelis wanting secret information
My guess is there will be charges that he handed over sensitive materiel to Israeli agents
Read the article, this has nothing at all to do with Israel.
Bet you there won't. That's not why they chose Israel, it was for the headline.
Look at it this way...
All the famous spy cases you have read about for the last 30 years....Materiel was actually passed to enemies of the United States or to foreign powers like Israel
Not one case involved a wanna be spy like this guy
But pay attention because maybe real spy charges are upcoming for Nozette
Your silly!
If the guy thought that he was passing secrets to a foreign agent, did it willingly, and accepted money for doing so; then he’s guilty as hell, but in consideration of the circumstances, we should refrain from using tracer ammo on him, and stick to plain old service ball.
The lawyers can sort through all of procedural stuff, and he’ll get plenty of free legal help, of that you can be sure. The only way I’ll revise my opinion is if the narrative of his actions proves to be a total hoax.
I did read the article. People on this thread think because this guy wanted to sell classified info to the Israelis, that it is some sort of get Israel plan. They caught a traitor and he should be dealt with appropriately.
If your point is that this isn’t a headline making bust of a severe threat to American security, I agree. The time and funds spent on it relative to actual threats to our security I’ve no way to judge.
I have concluded that you are a silly piece of work who probably changes feet every time you open your mouth.
You made a stupid attack on another FREEPER who disagreed with you and I am calling you on it.
Oh! did you serve with John Kerry too?
I’m on your side basically. Lets see what develops
It is possible.
20 years hard labor is an alternative I also suggested.
That being said, I think the current sentences may be a bit light if, in fact, he is found to be guilty of spying on his country.
I guess I'm just old fashioned that way.
Excellent point!
The Obama Administration Pentagon could have chosen any country. Why Israel?
Guilty until proven innocent! Nice!!!
I attacked people who are willing to stand up for traitors because they don’t like the current Administration. Well, I don’t like them either, but I’m not going start taking sides with those who are ready to sell out the country. Not every FBI agent is a willing foil for the Attorney General.
Several of the recipients of my original post made comments that gave the impression that they were in this guys corner. Their subsequent remarks have clarified that they don’t approve. I’m happy to defend my position. They aren’t able to defend theirs, and while its nice of you to try to jump in and help them out, it won’t have much effect.
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
BIG KENYAN IS WATCHING
Give him the same punishment as an al-Qaeda terrorist - resettle him in Bermuda.
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