Aldrich Ames, CIA Turncoat, Dies

Aldrich Ames, a former United States — Central Intelligence Agency officer who committed one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in United States history, has died in a Maryland prison at the age of 84. From 1985 until his arrest in 1994, Ames was paid $2.5 million by the Soviet Union and later Russia for US secrets. He disclosed the identities of at least 10 Russian officials and one East European who were spying for the United States or United Kingdom, leading to the executions of Western agents. His betrayals were a major setback for the United States — Central Intelligence Agency during the Cold War. Ames pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He downplayed the damage he caused, stating that 'These spy wars are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years.' His wife, Rosario Casas Dupuy, also pleaded guilty to lesser espionage charges and served a prison sentence. The scandal led to the resignation of then-United States — Central Intelligence Agency director James Woolsey and an overhaul of the agency under his successor, John M. Deutch. Then-United States president Bill Clinton called the case 'very serious' and expelled Russian diplomat Aleksander Lysenko due to his alleged involvement.