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Judge Keeps Suspected Spy Behind Bars

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<i> From Associated Press</i>

Citing “overwhelming” evidence indicating that Robert C. Kim gave classified documents to South Korea, a federal judge ordered the former government computer analyst held without bond Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema’s action reversed a magistrate’s decision that would have allowed Kim to go free while awaiting trial on charges that he gave South Korean officials documents obtained while he worked as a civilian for naval intelligence.

“At this point the evidence appears to be overwhelming,” Brinkema said after a hearing.

She said that when South Korean-born Kim took his oath of U.S. citizenship, “that put an obligation on Mr. Kim’s part that this evidence suggests he has broken.”

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Because Kim is now unemployed and deeply in debt, Brinkema said, he poses a threat to flee the country. She noted that he has family in and other close ties to South Korea.

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