Maria Butina Was In Contact With Russian Intelligence, Feds Say In New Documents

Her connections with the NRA makes it no surprise that we're seeing stories financially connecting her to former sheriff David Clarke. Wonder who's next?

I understand pre-trial detention because she is an international flight risk. What I wonder about are the national security implications? Any work to obtain classified materials, equipment, or information? Any effort to undermine the national security posture or overthrow the United States Government by force or by violence? Failure to register as a foreign agent - so charged. Managed by the FSB - so alleged. She was an obvious Russian national who openly posed as a Russian Graduate Student - filed the required immigration papers - and participated as an obviously interested person in American politics including participation with American gun rights advocacy politicians and groups. She was not a sleeper agent posing as an American citizen. She supposedly offered to have sex with one or more American men. Apart from her ongoing contacts with a Russian bank official what makes her an espionage operative inimical to the national security interests of the United States? All of her actions appear transparent. She appeared at NRA events. She was well-known there. There's lots of photos of her posing with Republicans. Everyone knew she was well-connected in Russia. So what is new in the indictment? She used unencrypted social media to communicate with her purported handler. She is not accused of using secret trade craft - encryption, dead drops, or covert messaging. What is the evidence this young woman is anything more than an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution - that she was actually some kind of spy committing espionage against our country? Charges were filed, many people want to lock her up and throw away the key - but I have to ask on what evidence? Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CSM Charles Hayden

Very interesting read, thank you.