Washington( CNN) Maria Butina, an accused Russian spy who nuzzled up to the National Rifle Association before the 2016 election, has begun cooperating with federal prosecutors after agreeing to a plea deal in recent days, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Her cooperation will mainly focus on tell researchers about the role of her boyfriend Paul Erickson and her interactions with her Russian handlers. A spokesman for the US Attorney's office in DC declined to comment. Butina's lawyer declined to comment for the tale. A lawyer for Erickson also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to the agreement, revealed to CNN, Butina “agreed and conspired, with a Russian government official( ‘Russian Official') and at least one other person, for Butina to act in the United State under the direction of Russian Official without prior notification to the Attorney General.”
