Soviet Defector Gets Probation in Drowning
Soviet defector Vladimar Ratchikhine, 44, was sentenced Monday to two years’ probation on his conviction of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the drowning of his ex-lover, a minor witness in the spy trial of former FBI agent Richard Miller.
Superior Court Judge Leslie Light gave Ratchikhine credit for time already served, ordered him to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $500 fine.
Ratchikhine, a former Soviet athlete, coach and film maker, was originally charged with second-degree murder in the drowning of Ludmilla Kondratjeva, 36, whose body was found in the back seat of her car after it crashed into the ocean off Malibu.
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