Buffalo native faces espionage charge

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - A retired U.S. sailor who was born in Buffalo is charged with attempted espionage, and the Department of Justice says he could have done serious damage to national security.

Robert Patrick Hoffman II, 39, spent 20 years in the United States Navy. Now he has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted espionage and forfeiture after prosecutors says he unlawfully and knowingly attempting to communicate, deliver and transmit secret information to the Russian Federation.

The grand jury indictment says Hoffman had access to top secret, sensitive information.

READ | Review a copy of the grand jury indictment

Hoffman enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school and retired from the service just last year. His bio indicates he was highly decorated, leaving the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class, and worked as a cryptologic technician.

In October, Hoffman allegedly shared information that “revealed and pertained to methods to track U.S. submarines, including the technology and procedures required, with intent and reason to believe that such information was to be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation, namely the Russian Federation.”

The indictment says Hoffman delivered the classified information to an agent of the FBI, which was apparently on to Hoffman and conducting an undercover operation.

Hoffman was immediately placed under arrest. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.