Politics

Judge Orders Russian Accused Of Spying To Stay In Jail Until Trial

A federal judge also placed a gag order on the case, citing concerns over comments made by Maria Butina's attorneys.

Judge Orders Russian Accused Of Spying To Stay In Jail Until Trial
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A judge ordered suspected Russian agent Maria Butina to remain in jail until her trial begins, citing flight risk concerns. 

Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan also placed a gag order on the case following public comments made by Butina's attorneys. Chutkan said the defense team "overstepped" and their comments "crossed the line." 

Prosecutors have also backed away from their claim that Butina traded sex for work, which they had based on text messages they now say they misinterpreted. 

Butina faces charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent in the U.S. She's accused of trying to infiltrate U.S. political circles as well as the National Rifle Association.  

Her next court hearing is November 13. 

Additional reporting for this story provided by Newsy affiliate CNN.