NewsMilitary

Actions

Retired Navy sailor pleads not guilty to attempted espionage charges

Posted
and last updated

Norfolk, Va. - A retired Navy Cryptologist has pleaded not guilty to attempted espionage charges.

Robert Hoffman entered the plea during his arraignment in Norfolk Federal Court Wednesday morning.

Hoffman is charged with trying to sell secrets about U.S. submarines to the Russians. He asked for a trial by jury.

His attorney says he is ready to fight the charges. 

Hoffman could face the death penalty.

Related Content: 

Take a peek inside the mind of an accused Russian Spy

Prosecutors: Retired Navy sailor tried to spy for Russians because he was ‘bored’

Neighbor of man accused of attempted espionage: ‘What the heck was he thinking about?’

Case against former sailor accused of attempted espionage draws comparisons to previous local spy drama

Former sailor accused of trying to spy for Russia could face death penalty