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Feds: Alleged NY Spy Guy More Devoted To Russia Than Son
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 2, 2010
Modified Jul 2, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 2, 2010
Modified Jul 2, 2010
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Yesterday, federal prosecutors claimed that Juan Lazaro, a former professor at Baruch College, admitted to being a spy. Lazaro is one of eleven people recently arrested by U.S. authorities, who say they were working for Russia's intelligence agency, the Foreign Intelligence Service. And, while allegedly admitting to being a spy, Lazaro told prosecutors that while he "loved his son, he would not violate his loyalty to the ‘Service’ even for his son."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Farbiarz said, "There is no inkling at all that their children, who they live with, have any idea that their parents are Russian agents." However, Lazaro's stepson by wife and fellow accused spy, Vicky Peleaz, insisted that the charges were false. Waldomar Mariscal said, "It's a circus. This is pure psychological pressure. It's total confusion. He's an old guy. His English isn't so good." Mariscal's half-brother, Juan Lazaro Jr., 18, was at the court hearing but did not comment. Lazaro Sr. also allegedly admitted to not being a native of Uruguary and that his and Peleaz's house was bought by the "Service."
A judge postponed a bail hearing for Lazaro, while allowing Peleaz to be released under house arrest if she posted $10,000 towards $250,000 bond. Peleaz is a columnist for the Spanish NY daily, El Diario.
The suspected NJ spy couple, Cynthia and Richard Murphy, are remaining in custody, because it's unclear whether they would not flee (the feds said that the couple had $80,000 in a safe deposit box and could rely on a "network" in the U.S. to help them escape).
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Cynthia Murphy
Juan Lazaro
Richard Murphy
russia
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Vicky Pelea
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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