A Maryland scientist who once worked in the White House was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday, accusing him of attempting to provide Israel classified information on satellites and early warning defense systems.
Stewart Nozette was taken into custody Monday after authorities say he provided an undercover FBI agent posing as an Israeli spy with some of the nation’s most guarded secrets for $11,000. The Chevy Chase resident held top secret clearance for 20 years as he helped develop satellite and other advanced technology for the U.S. military.
According to the indictment, Nozette provided the undercover agent with information on “satellites, early warning systems, means of defense or retaliation against large-scale attack, communications intelligence information and major elements of defense strategy.”
Nozette, 52, lost access to classified information in 2006 after NASA started an investigation into the finances of a nonprofit company he ran.
– Freeman Klopott
* Editor’s note: The photo in this story has been corrected to show Stewart Nozette.
