Maria Butina, the accused Russian spy who prosecutors say gathered intelligence on American officials and political organizations, is poised to plead guilty to some charges this week, signaling a likely plea deal with the government.
Butina, who initially pleaded not guilty, is expected to change her plea in a hearing now scheduled for Wednesday. The potential plea change was revealed in a court filing Monday.
“The Defendant Maria Butina, by counsel, and the government, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, respectfully file this joint motion to set a change of plea hearing…at the Court’s earliest convenience,” the filing, reviewed by Fox News, stated.
Federal prosecutors have alleged that Butina, 30, gathered intelligence on American officials and worked to develop relationships with American politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association, and used her role as a student at American University in Washington as a cover for her activities. – READ MORE