Suspected Russian secret agent Maria Butina set to agree plea deal with US prosecutors
Court filings show lawyers 'remain optimistic about a pre-trial resolution'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A women suspected of being a Russian secret agent is set to agree a plea deal with US prosecutors ahead of her criminal case, according to court documents.
Lawyers for Maria Butina and federal prosecutors wrote in the joint court filing they "remain optimistic about a pre-trial resolution" for her case.
The filing follows similar court papers which were filed earlier this month which demonstrates negotiations between the two parties continue.
The 30-year-old is accused of gathering intelligence on American officials and political organisations by developing relationships with politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The accusations claim her work was directed by a former Russian lawmakers with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ms Butina is charged with conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia.
She has mounted an aggressive defence since she was jailed in July and her legal team tried to have the case thrown out earlier this month.
Ms Butina has pleaded not guilty and her lawyers have said she is a student interested in American politics and better US-Russian relations.
Her case is unrelated to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and a hearing is scheduled for next month.
Agencies contributed to this report
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments