Trying to be a Spy: Nasa Scientist Arrested

Stewart Nozette (pictured left, from nasa.gov), a former NASA, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), and U.S. Naval Research scientist, was arrested Monday for allegedly trying to sell national secrets to FBI agents posing as Israeli government agents for $11,000. This is not the first time Nozette has been under investigation. He was investigated in 2006 for allegedly submitting false expense forms to NASA.

Nozette was arrested on Monday, and indicted Wednesday afternoon. He is scheduled for a detention hearing on October 29, 2009. He is likely being charged under 18 U.S.C. § 793 (d).

Nozette had been involved in 1994 in developing special satellite based radar that was used to detect water on the moon. Officials claim that he held top secret security clearances as recently as 2006, likely related to his work with the Navy or DARPA. Nozette also had engaged in consulting work for an Israeli government contractor. His work for the Israeli government may be used as evidence to support the attempted espionage charge.

The USDOJ's press release may be found here.