On this day, May 20, in 1985, the FBI arrested John A. Walker Jr. on charges that he was running one of the most destructive spy rings in United States history.
Walker, who was born in the District, joined the Navy in 1965 after he was arrested for burglary and offered the option of the military or jail time. He became a communications specialist, and within three years of enlisting, he walked over to the Soviet Embassy in D.C. and sold a card that helped the Russians decipher radio transmissions. Walker, who earned more than $1 million for his services, recruited other officials, including his son and older brother.
From 1968 to 1985, Walker helped the Soviets decipher more than 200,000 classified messages, providing so much valuable information that some experts believe Walker tipped the balance of power to Russians.
But his scheme unraveled when he refused to pay his ex-wife alimony and she tipped off the FBI. Walker and his co-conspirators were convicted. All defendants, except his son, received life sentences. Walker was most recently housed at a federal prison in Missouri. He is 71.
