Couple denies spying for Cuba
MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- A college professor and his administrator wife pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that they secretly acted as agents for Cuba's communist government.
Carlos Alvarez, 61, and Elsa Alvarez, 55, entered the pleas during a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John O'Sullivan.
They are accused of using their positions at Florida International University as a cover to spy for Cuba for nearly 30 years. They could get up to 10 years in prison if convicted of failing to register as agents of a foreign power.
Carlos Alvarez is a psychology professor, and Elsa Alvarez coordinates a social work program at the Miami school.
An indictment unsealed January 9 alleges that the couple spied on Cuban-American exile groups and provided information and political analysis of interest to Cuba and Fidel Castro. There are no allegations that they obtained any classified or sensitive U.S. government information.
Steve Chaykin and Jane Moscowitz, attorneys for the couple, said they will appeal another judge's ruling that their clients be kept in detention until trial because they are a risk to flee to Cuba.
"We think they are inappropriately being detained," Chaykin said.
No date has been set for the trial or a bail hearing.
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