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Accused spy denied bail
November 25, 1996
Web posted at: 2:10 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Accused spy Harold "Jim" Nicholson was denied bail Monday and will remain in custody until a yet-to-be determined trial date.
Judge Thomas Rawles Jones accepted federal prosecutors' contention that Nicholson, who is charged with conspiracy to spy for Russia, might leave the country to avoid trial. The judge also said he considered Nicholson to be a threat to transfer secret information to other governments if he is released on bail.
Nicholson was arrested November 16 at Dulles Airport near Washington as he prepared to fly to Switzerland, where he was going to turn over U.S. secrets to Russian contacts, the FBI alleges.
A grand jury handed down a one-count indictment last week against Nicholson, accusing him of receiving nearly $180,000 from Moscow for spying. The 46-year-old former CIA station chief is the highest ranking CIA official ever to be charged with espionage.
Jonathan Shapiro, Nicholson's attorney, presented the Oregon native's brother, mother and sister to testify on Nicholson's behalf. The defense also touted Nicholson's "All-American boy" upbringing and his father's military record.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Former CIA station chief to fight charges - November 20, 1996
- Russians inadvertently helped FBI in spy case - November 20, 1996
- CIA still probing damage done by alleged spy - November 18, 1996
- Veteran CIA official charged with spying - November 18, 1996
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