Imprisoned Spy Jim Nicholson's Son Sentenced for Aiding Dad

(Dec. 7) -- The son of a former CIA officer was sentenced today to five years of probation for helping his father, an imprisoned spy, contact Russian intelligence officials from behind bars.

Nathan Nicholson, 26, faced a potentially long prison term, but federal prosecutors recommended a lighter sentence because he helped authorities make a case against his father, 60-year-old Harold James "Jim" Nicholson.

Rick Bowmer, AP

A federal judge Tuesday sentenced Nathan Nicholson to five years of probation for helping his father, an imprisoned spy, contact his old Russian handlers in a scheme to collect money from them while behind bars.

Jim Nicholson is serving a 23-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Ore., for a 1997 conviction on conspiracy to commit espionage.

According to the FBI, Nathan Nicholson had visited his father at FCI Sheridan on several occasions between 2006 and 2008. During those visits, Jim Nicholson provided his son with information intended for Russia. His son would then travel to several locations throughout the world, including Mexico and Peru, where he would meet with Russian agents and provide them with information and collect money for the father's past espionage activities, the FBI said.

In November, Jim Nicholson pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme.

"During his career with the CIA, this country entrusted ... Nicholson with some of its most sensitive secrets," Arthur Balizan, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon, said in a news release announcing Jim Nicholson's guilty plea. "Not once -- but twice -- he betrayed his oath, our nation and his family. Unfortunately, this is a legacy he and his children will live with from now on."

U.S. Attorney for Oregon Dwight C. Holton said Nicholson is "one of the highest-ranking CIA officials ever convicted of espionage."

Per the terms of a plea agreement, Jim Nicholson is expected to be sentenced to eight years in prison when he appears in court in January. The sentence is to be served consecutive to the one he is currently serving, the FBI said.

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Appearing today in federal court in Portland, Nathan Nicholson's attorney, Thomas E. Price, said his client was manipulated by his father. Price said the younger Nicholson had sought out his father after a parachuting accident that caused him to become depressed, The Oregonian reported.

"He sought solace in his meetings with his father," Price said.

Prior to sentencing, Nathan Nicholson apologized, saying he was "deeply sorry" and "terribly embarrassed." He also expressed his desire to finish his degree in computer science "and not live such an adventurous life."

In addition to the five years of probation, U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown also ordered Nicholson to serve 100 hours of volunteer service with the Veterans Affairs Department.