Accused Russian Spy Presses Feds for Arrest Docs, Other Records

WASHINGTON (CN) - Accused Russian spy Maria Butina on Sunday filed a letter requesting the government turn over criminal records, arrest reports and details on witnesses prosecutors might use to build their case against her.

The eight-page discovery letter Butina's attorneys filed on Sunday is a common request for documents in a criminal case and seeks information the government has that she might use "for the preparation of her defense, for trial, or for sentencing."

These include statements Butina made that are now in the hands of the government, as well as details on her criminal record and bank statements, electronic devices and the results of any "scientific tests or experiments" the government performed as part of the case.

"If we do not receive a response to the requested materials, we will assume that those materials do not exist and will continue to prepare the case accordingly," the letter states. "If the government fails to produce all, or any part, of the evidence or materials requested, but acts to introduce them at trial (whether for substantive or impeachment use), the defendant reserves the right to oppose the introduction of such evidence or materials at any hearing and/or move for dismissal of the indictment against the defendant."

A grand jury indicted Butina in July on charges of acting as a foreign agent and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent for allegedly attempting to use her connections with political groups like the National Rifle Association to advance Russian interests in the United States. Butina has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

McGlinchey Stafford attorney Robert Driscoll, who represents Butina and is the top signature on the discovery request letter did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Justice Department also did not respond to a request for comment on the filing.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, has imposed a gag order on the parties, preventing them from speaking publicly about the ongoing criminal trial.

Butina is next due back in court on November 13 for a status conference.

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