Aldrich Ames, who confessed to spying for the Soviet Union during his career as a CIA officer, is joining the general population at the U.S. penitentiary in Allenwood, Pa.
Ames, who spent the first 21 months of his life sentence at the prison in virtual isolation, was moved Thursday into a cell with another inmate, The Washington Post reported.The 54-year-old former counterintelligence officer is considered the most damaging spy in the agency's history. He had been confined in a small cell for up to 23 hours a day and allowed one hour for exercise.
After an orientation period, Ames will be assigned to a job 71/2 hours a day, five days a week, and have the remainder of his time for study or recreation.
He also will be allowed to telephone individuals on an approved list. The CIA, however, will continue to monitor his calls and mail.