Final Arguments Due in Spy Trial of Ex-FBI Agent
A federal judge is expected to hear closing arguments today in the case of Richard W. Miller, who is accused of passing secret documents to his Soviet lover.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Takasugi, who is hearing the case in Los Angeles, on whether to convict Miller comes at the end of the ex-agent’s third trial. It is likely to put an end to the 6-year-old case that has been an embarrassment to the FBI. The case could end with Miller becoming the only FBI agent ever convicted of espionage.
Consistent with portrayals of Miller in the earlier trials, prosecutors during the past seven weeks have characterized him as a bumbling FBI agent who was smitten by Soviet emigre Svetlana Ogorodnikova.
Miller, 53, who has never testified in his trials, is charged with six counts of bribery and espionage.
Takasugi said he will decide the outcome of the case after hearing closing arguments Tuesday.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
