Spy caught in the white house

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » October 5, 2005, 9:01 pm

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=1187030&page=1

Oct. 5, 2005 — Both the FBI and CIA are calling it the first case of espionage in the White House in modern history.

Officials tell ABC News the alleged spy worked undetected at the White House for almost three years. Leandro Aragoncillo, 46, was a U.S. Marine most recently assigned to the staff of Vice President Dick Cheney.

"I don't know of a case where the vetting broke down before and resulted in a spy being in the White House," said Richard Clarke, a former White House advisor who is now an ABC News consultant.

Federal investigators say Aragoncillo, a naturalized citizen from the Philippines, used his top secret clearance to steal classified intelligence documents from White House computers.

In 2000, Aragoncillo worked on the staff of then-Vice President Al Gore. When interviewed by Philippine television, he remarked how valued Philippine employees were at the White House.

"I think what they like most is our integrity and loyalty," Aragoncillo said.

Classified Material Transferred by E-Mail

Officials say the classified material, which Aragoncillo stole from the vice president's office, included damaging dossiers on the president of the Philippines. He then passed those on to opposition politicians planning a coup in the Pacific nation.

"Even though it's not for the Russians or some other government, the fact that it occurred at the White House is a matter of great concern," said John Martin, who was the government's lead espionage prosecutor for 26 years.

Last year, after leaving the Marines, Aragoncillo was caught by the FBI while he worked for the Bureau at an intelligence center at Fort Monmouth, N.J.

According to a criminal complaint, Aragoncillo was arrested last month and accused of downloading more than 100 classified documents from FBI computers.

"The information was transferred mostly by e-mails," said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie at the time of Aragoncillo's arrest.

Since that arrest, officials say Aragoncillo has started to cooperate. He has admitted to spying while working on the staff of Vice President Cheney's office.

Aragoncillo began working at the White House in 1999. Officials are now trying to learn how he landed the job, when he started spying, and how he escaped detection for so long.

"Of course, it is a source of embarrassment when you find out that this kind of activity has been carried out literally right under your nose," said Martin, the former espionage prosecutor.

According to friends, in addition to his work for Cheney and Gore, Aragoncillo claimed he also worked with President Clinton and Condoleezza Rice when she was the national security advisor.

ABC News' Vic Walter and Avni Patel contributed to this report.

Pretty crazy stuff.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » October 5, 2005, 9:37 pm

This is really bizarre, and very sad. I have to wonder what was so wrong in his world that he was willing to sacrifice his dignity and his honor, and go from a good man to a piece of shit.

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » October 5, 2005, 10:32 pm

If you can't trust a marine with security......

Nick · Post by **Nick** » October 5, 2005, 11:01 pm

hi5 Leandro Aragoncillo!

Sargeras · Post by **Sargeras** » October 5, 2005, 11:24 pm

So who was he spying for?

Hesten · Post by **Hesten** » October 6, 2005, 2:57 am

Does the Philippines have oil? Could be the lead up to the next war.

"Hey, we found a spy, they must be agains us. AND they got WMDs"

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » October 6, 2005, 8:51 am

The Philippines have SHOES, TONS OF SHOES!

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 10:38 am

Nick wrote:hi5 Leandro Aragoncillo!

You idiot, he's going to be put to death for Treason.
You don't hi5 someone because of that.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » October 6, 2005, 11:17 am

You can hi5 him for sticking one over the USA for a good 3 years.

Next time you mistakenly assume I need your permission or approval on who to hi5 you know where I am

(l o l)

VariaVespasa · Post by **VariaVespasa** » October 6, 2005, 11:27 am

Well you might Hi5 him if you happened to be a phillipine citizen... Although he potentially loses lots of points for working for someone who isnt the current government of the phillipines. I dont know enough about the current government and how long its been in power etc to know if the people he worked for were the government for a while and just arent right now, or what.

Being a spy doesnt inherently mean you sacrifice your dignity and honor. It can be an indicator of rather higher than normal dedication and therefor honor, depending on why the spy does it, which isnt known yet in this case. Now, working for opposition politicians rather than the official government rather lowers the chances of him working for clean motives, as does the fact that they apparently wanted to stage a coup, but it is still possible. In any event, it doesnt negate the fact that spying , in and of itself, is not inherently dishonorable.

Executed for treason? I dont think the US does that anymore actually. Jail forever or a really long time, yes, especially since he wasnt working for a government, but not execution.

*Hugs*
Varia

miir · Post by **miir** » October 6, 2005, 11:27 am

omg hi5 nick!

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 11:33 am

No, varia the punishment for Treason in the US is execution - generally they will go to jail for a very long time beforehand - has been since the constitution was written.
Yeah I'll tell you exactly what you can do with your hi5, but I don't think you'll like it Nick.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » October 6, 2005, 11:38 am

I would care?

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 11:40 am

Nick wrote:I could give a shit?

You could, but I don't think anyone would accept it.
It's not a standard form of currentcy that I"m aware of.
Damn speed ninja editting Irish.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » October 6, 2005, 11:45 am

I changed it to be nice, before you posted, sorry!

At the end of the day, he was stupid because he got caught, he was brilliant because he did it for 3 years, even though the CIA claims to be one of the leading security agencies in the world.

It's egg on the face of the USA, which for most of us, is definately worthy of a hi5, you don't have to agree, and as I say, I don't really care if you don't.

nobody · Post by **nobody** » October 6, 2005, 11:56 am

a spy in the white house is nothing new, the chinese had one in the oval office from 1993 to 2001.

Apostate · Post by **Apostate** » October 6, 2005, 12:42 pm

Officials say the classified material, which Aragoncillo stole from the vice president's office, included damaging dossiers on the president of the Philippines. He then passed those on to opposition politicians planning a coup in the Pacific nation.

That's the part folks missed. He's doing his part to start a coup against a friendly sovereign state to the United States which has been democratically elected. All the worries about his integrity or betraying the trust of government officials are pretty secondary- basically, his actions are a lot worse than say, if he had somehow stolen several tons of US military equipment and shipped them over. Yes, it's embarrassing to the administration and all that, but I'm a lot more concerned that a lot of innocent people could still die if his actions help contribute to political killings or a coup, or even a civil war.

So yeah, I wouldn't hi5 if you are from the Philippines.

VariaVespasa · Post by **VariaVespasa** » October 6, 2005, 12:45 pm

It may be on the books somewhere, but I dont think its been used for 50 years or more. In any event, I think it requires wartime to be invoked, and youre not actually at war with anyone. Its been one of the selling points...

In any event, its just low-rent espionage. He wasnt trying to bring down the US (which is required for a treason charge), so he cant be charged with treason, just espionage.

*Hugs*
Varia

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » October 6, 2005, 12:56 pm

VariaVespasa wrote:It may be on the books somewhere, but I dont think its been used for 50 years or more. In any event, I think it requires wartime to be invoked, and youre not actually at war with anyone. Its been one of the selling points...

In any event, its just low-rent espionage. He wasnt trying to bring down the US (which is required for a treason charge), so he cant be charged with treason, just espionage.

*Hugs*
Varia

Some spies were executed in the cold war. The couple that was convicted of passing US nuclear secrets to the USSR was put to death in about 1953. Yeah I know thats over 50 years ago (52-53) but it does illustrate that it can and has been used in some cases. High Treason actually is still on the books in Canada as still carrying the death penalty as well, but I honestly have a hard time seeing a case where someone could betray Canada and generate enough political ill will to earn it... I mean look at how many times we re-elected Trudeau and if he wasn't the most destructive and damaging individual to the country in Canadian history, I don't know who was... and we followed that up by electing his little buddy/crony Chretien for 10 years...

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » October 6, 2005, 12:59 pm

Peace time death penalty for spying was reinstated in 1994. So far 11 people have been tried and none have received death.

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » October 6, 2005, 1:29 pm

The death penalty is usually used as leverage to making a deal where the spy tells the investigators all he knows to avoid it.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » October 6, 2005, 3:54 pm

Sylvos wrote:No, varia the punishment for Treason in the US is execution - generally they will go to jail for a very long time beforehand - has been since the constitution was written.

Seriously doubt he'll be executed. Especially if he is currently cooperating. Cooperation is usually induced somehow - by some form of leniency.

Constitution says Congress can determine the punishment for Treason. And so they did...

18 U.S.C. Section 2381 - Treason
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Booyah!

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 4:07 pm

that still doesn't disqualify that the punishment is execution.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » October 6, 2005, 4:53 pm

So now we just need to manufacture some documents linking the people he helped to Islamic militants in the Phillippines and begin the carpet bombing! SUCK IT PHIL-QAEDA!

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » October 6, 2005, 5:08 pm

Sylvos wrote:that still doesn't disqualify that the punishment is execution.

The punishment *can* be execution, but it could also be jail and a fine.

But you said...

Sylvos wrote:You idiot, he's going to be put to death for Treason.

And that is not necessarily true. And is probably unlikely at best.

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 5:11 pm

You're argueing with me on a messageboard now when you could just save it for when I get home because....?

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » October 6, 2005, 5:34 pm

Espionage != Treason

There is no treason in this case (well none has be revealed as of yet). Penalty is still I believe 20 years max per incident plus fine.

The biggest issue for the US here is revelation of intelligence gathering techniques or potentially operatives/sources and loss of face. Obviously the ramifications in the Phillipines are potentially more severe.

Noysyrump · Post by **Noysyrump** » October 6, 2005, 6:27 pm

I think the guy read a newspaper article on Cheyney's desk that said Arroyo was disliked by the people. He then mentioned it to his brother still in manilla over the phone and was overheard by the nosey lady in the next cubicle. She then reported him and of course they "take these matters very seriosly"

Thats how buerocracy works you know... Its all part of the "Zero tollerance" aspect of american life we are facing...

Dont even get me started on petty theft netting life in prison as a third strike in California!

masteen · Post by **masteen** » October 6, 2005, 6:29 pm

Noysyrump wrote:buerocracy

kekekeke

Noysyrump · Post by **Noysyrump** » October 6, 2005, 6:30 pm

masteen wrote:
Noysyrump wrote:buerocracy
kekekeke

Shush i learneded to spel in caleefornea skoolz

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » October 6, 2005, 6:30 pm

You're argueing with me on a messageboard now when you could just save it for when I get home because....?

It's nice of her to point out that you're acting like a dumbass. Otherwise, one of us anonymous assholes would do it, and wouldn't you rather your internet smackdown come from someone you like?

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 6:32 pm

Sueven wrote:
You're argueing with me on a messageboard now when you could just save it for when I get home because....?
It's nice of her to point out that you're acting like a dumbass. Otherwise, one of us anonymous assholes would do it, and wouldn't you rather your internet smackdown come from someone you like?

I want to pee on you for some reason.
Nothing hateful, nothing spiteful, just relaxing urination.
This message has been brought to you by GlaxcoSmith and Kline.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » October 6, 2005, 6:35 pm

The counts carry a combined maximum sentence of 15 years. Aquino remains in custody in the Passaic County Jail.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » October 6, 2005, 6:36 pm

haters want to hate
lovers want to love
I don't even want
none of the above
I want to piss on you

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » October 6, 2005, 6:38 pm

You see , coming from me that's like "oh, ok. well thanks I think. That's very sweet of you to say that about me".
Coming from kilmoll is just plain creepy and disturbing. Like an old uncle that no one lets around the children during the holidays.

Tuddi2 · Post by **Tuddi2** » October 8, 2005, 11:20 pm

Apostate wrote:
Officials say the classified material, which Aragoncillo stole from the vice president's office, included damaging dossiers on the president of the Philippines. He then passed those on to opposition politicians planning a coup in the Pacific nation.
That's the part folks missed. He's doing his part to start a coup against a friendly sovereign state to the United States which has been democratically elected. All the worries about his integrity or betraying the trust of government officials are pretty secondary- basically, his actions are a lot worse than say, if he had somehow stolen several tons of US military equipment and shipped them over. Yes, it's embarrassing to the administration and all that, but I'm a lot more concerned that a lot of innocent people could still die if his actions help contribute to political killings or a coup, or even a civil war.

So yeah, I wouldn't hi5 if you are from the Philippines.

on a twist of that, can we assume that a "democratically elected sovereign state" which is friendly to the U.S. might be abusing it's citizens in some manner so the people plan and go to extreme lengths to secure their chance of freedom from this oh so friendly to the U.S. opressive regime, that perhaps got some foreign assistance(gasp) to get into the seat of power ?

but that would never happen, not since they were democratically elected, i mean elections are like a sure thing, like for example Bush vs. Gore.

hai di har har har.

Apostate · Post by **Apostate** » October 9, 2005, 2:53 pm

Tuddi2 wrote: on a twist of that, can we assume that a "democratically elected sovereign state" which is friendly to the U.S. might be abusing it's citizens in some manner so the people plan and go to extreme lengths to secure their chance of freedom from this oh so friendly to the U.S. opressive regime, that perhaps got some foreign assistance(gasp) to get into the seat of power ?

but that would never happen, not since they were democratically elected, i mean elections are like a sure thing, like for example Bush vs. Gore.

hai di har har har.

Oh, I have no doubt that the military of the Philippines engages in some gross human rights abuses in opposing MILF (yeah, that's honest to god the name of the rebel forces there) and other domestic rebel groups.

Just as I also have no doubt that you have no idea that Ferdinand Marcos was a US-propped up dictator for his hardline stance on communism during the Cold War and was overthrown in a bloodless coup that resulted in free democratic elections against the wishes of the US, with a troubled but essentially legitimate body politic from Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and finally Arroyo (who probably should be impeached). So yeah, more than likely, the 'people going to extreme lengths to secure their chance of freedom' are military hardliners that want to install a junta.

The short version of my response would probably be, 'At least google the place you have no clue about before posting, you ignorant boob.'

Tuddi2 · Post by **Tuddi2** » October 9, 2005, 6:26 pm

you hurt my feelings apostate,

my comment was made in a general sense, not to take the philippines as my bullseye for it. you almost make it sound like i think the u.s. never does any good at all, that's quite the opposite of what i think and know.(ps no i had no idea about your history lesson, which i'm sure you know by heart, i have a thing about needing my every reply to be a small research project, and the thing is i dont)

my point was to mention that "a friendly sovereign state to the united states which has been democratically elected" may not always mean what we want it to mean, let alone continue to mean it, if it at some point it was true.

VeeshanVault

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