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Former sailor found guilty of trying to spy for Russia

Posted at 4:04 PM, Aug 21, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-21 17:39:08-04

Norfolk, Va. - On Wednesday, retired submariner Robert P. Hoffman was found guilty of trying to spy for Russia.

Federal agents arrested Robert Patrick Hoffman II, identified as a former cryptologic technician with a Top Secret clearance, and charged him with attempted espionage, according to a secret indictment.

Hoffman served 20 years in the Navy and retired in 2011 officials say.

Officials say while Hoffman was in the Navy, he had security clearances that allowed him access to classified and national defense documents.

They say he signed agreements in 2012 that he would not disclose that information and court documents say he passed classified information to what he thought was the Russian Federation, but it was the FBI conducting an undercover operation.

Hoffman faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He'll be sentenced on December 2nd.

Stay with NewsChannel 3 for more developments.

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Read the complete indictment