U.S.

Russian National Maria Butina Expected To Change Plea Wednesday

Earlier this year, she pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

Russian National Maria Butina Expected To Change Plea Wednesday
CNN
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Russian national Maria Butina is expected to admit in court Wednesday afternoon that she was a spy.

Her attorneys and federal prosecutors filed a joint request Monday asking for a new hearing so Butina can change her plea.

In July, she pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. The judge deemed her a flight risk and ordered her to stay behind bars.

Butina is accused of trying to influence U.S. politics by exploiting her personal connections and infiltrating American organizations. Until now, Butina claimed she was just a student studying in the U.S.

Multiple outlets report Butina will be required to cooperate with investigators as part of her plea deal. Both sides have reportedly suggested she be sentenced to between zero and six months in prison. But the judge could choose to release her for time served, since she's already been in custody for five months. Once she is released, she'll most likely be deported.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN