NORFOLK, VA (WKBW) The U.S. Attorney's Office in Norfolk has charged Robert Patrick Hoffman, Jr., a Buffalo native, with attempted espionage. The arrest follows an undercover investigation by the FBI.
In a federal indictment, prosecutors say Hoffman abused his security clearance while serving in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class. Hoffman had a "Top Secret" clearance that granted him access to national defense information.
The indictment alleges that on October 21, 2012, Hoffman attempted to deliver information classified as "Secret" by the United States government to a representative of the Russian Federation. That representative was, in fact, an undercover FBI agent.
The classified information detailed methods of tracking U.S. submarines, including technology and procedures the Russian Federation could use.
Hoffman is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.
