A former U.S. Army clerk charged with spying for the Soviet Union 30 years ago pleaded guilty Friday, avoiding a public trial that might have compromised a secret government witness.
Robert S. Lipka, a coin collector and gambler, cried before pleading to one count of conspiracy to commit espionage."This is a very difficult charge to plead guilty to," Lipka said.
Lipka, 51, had faced a possible death sentence, but in a plea agreement will be sentenced to no more than 18 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on Aug. 15.