Lee’s Bail-Posting Neighbor a Friend in Deed

Don Marshall stepped out of the relative obscurity and into one of the country’s most visible national security cases when he pledged the deed to his home in exchange for the release of his longtime friend Wen Ho Lee.

Marshall, 57, and his wife, Jean, have been named custodians for Lee as part of the conditions for the fired Los Alamos scientist’s release from prison on bail--meaning the Marshalls essentially will baby-sit Lee for the federal government.

“Basically, if you are going to be a good friend, you are called on to do things that under other circumstances you would not be involved in,” Marshall told Associated Press on Friday from his home in White Rock, N.M., next door to Lee’s one-story wood-frame home.

Lee, 60, is charged with 59 counts alleging he transferred restricted data to unsecured computers and tape at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has been in jail since his arrest Dec. 10. His trial is set for November.

U.S. District Judge James Parker ruled Thursday that the government’s case “no longer has the requisite clarity and persuasive character necessary” to keep Lee in jail pending trial.

Parker proposed restrictive conditions when Lee is freed--he will be under constant surveillance--and required that Lee’s bond be secured by his property and that of his brother and sister-in-law and the Marshalls.

Marshall, a colleague and friend for 20 years, described Lee as a gentle man with a sense of humor, a passion for gardening and fishing, and a love of classical music and novels. He said that he had not talked to Lee in months--Lee has been held in solitary confinement--and that he missed his friend.

“I’m hoping he will be allowed to work outside in his yard, in his garden,” he said.

Marshall said he didn’t know exactly what his duties would be as Lee’s custodian. But in his order, Parker required that one of the Marshalls be present when Lee reports twice daily by telephone to federal authorities.

Marshall and his wife have had to make some changes, including talking to reporters, since becoming entangled in the case. But Marshall said they’re willing to put up with the scrutiny for a friend.