CDeutsch News Entries

One of the highest-ranking CIA officers convicted of spying is now accused of recruiting his son to continue his work, the New York Times reported.

Harold Nicholson pleaded guilty in 1997 to spying for Russia, and was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison, which he has been in Oregon for the past 12 years. Nicholson and his 24-year-old son, Nathan, are now charged with selling more secrets to Russia since 2006 through jailhouse visits, coded letters and visits overseas. Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday.

The FBI began keeping a closer watch on Nicholson in 2002 after reports that he was trying to recruit fellow inmates to continue his espionage work, British newspaper the Guardian reported. The FBI also kept Nathan under surveillance beginning in 2002, tapping his phone and tracking his movements.

Nathan allegedly received $35,000 from Russia, some of which he gave to family members and the rest of which he kept. Authorities believe Nicholson's value to the Russians was minimal after his conviction, but they continued to pay him in obligation for his past services, the Guardian said.

Officials told the New York Times that the "spy wars" between the U.S. and Russia did not end with the the Cold War.

"The Russians clearly were interested in finding out how he got caught," a government official told the New York Times.

Russian officials declined to comment on the case.

Posted by deuts076 at 4:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thousands of homes and businesses across Kentucky are still without power because of Monday's ice storm despite utility crews' progress Friday, USA Today reported.

Homes across the state are still without power, water, and heat after the storm froze power lines and crippled water treatment plants. Residents have had to decide whether to check into hotels, go to shelters or wait out the power outage in their cold homes. USA Today reported that 574,000 homes and businesses were still without power, while the New York Times reported that the number was more than 600,000. While utility companies are working to restore power, they warn that some homes may not have power until mid-February.

"I've lived in Kentucky my whole life, and I've never experienced anything like this before," shelter volunteer Beth Davidson told the New York Times.

USA Today reported six deaths in Kentucky related to the storm, while the New York Times reported at least nine. Both papers reported that some of the deaths are likely due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper use of generators used to light and heat otherwise powerless homes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending generators, water and ready-to-eat meals to Fort Campbell, Ky., to aid in storm relief.

Posted by deuts076 at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A man sexually assaulted three female students on University of Minnesota's West Bank Thursday, university police told the Star Tribune.

In each assault, the man rode up on his bike and grabbed the woman from behind in the "genital area." The assaults took place around 8:30 a.m. Thursday outside of Anderson Hall and the Humphrey Institute, the Minnesota Daily reported.

Students can expect to see more officers patrolling the West Bank while the incidents are investigated, university police told the Minnesota Daily.

The suspect is described as a black 29- to 39-year-old male with a tall, thin build. He was wearing a brown coat, green hat, sunglasses, and white tennis shoes and riding a red bike, the Star Tribune reported. Police urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact them.

Posted by deuts076 at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)