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CNN Live At Daybreak

Accused FBI Spy Robert Hanssen to Plead Guilty

Aired July 06, 2001 - 07:08   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Two hours from now, accused FBI spy Robert Hanssen is expected to plead guilty. Investigators say Hanssen spied for the Soviet Union and later the Russians for 15 years.

CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena is outside the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia with why the government made this deal -- Kelli.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Well, when we were here at this courthouse back in May, accused spy Robert Hanssen plead not guilty to the 21 charges of espionage and conspiracy against him.

Today, he is expected to change that plea. That is the result of an agreement between the government and Hanssen's lawyers. Sources tell CNN that instead of facing the death penalty, Hanssen will serve a life in prison term with no opportunity for parole.

Sources also say that Hanssen has agreed to be debriefed extensively by both the FBI and the CIA. Both those agencies are eager to accurately access the extent of the alleged damage caused by Robert Hanssen.

What's more, sources also tell us that Hanssen's wife, Bonnie, will be able to receive some benefits under Hanssen's pension. Now, sources tell us that she has fully cooperated with the investigation since her husband's arrest.

Now, this plea hearing will start in about two hours from now. We will be inside the courtroom and have the very latest details for you when it all wraps up -- Carol.

LIN: All right, thank you very much, Kelli Arena, standing by on that story.

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