Former Green Beret Sentenced In Russian Espionage Case

GAINESVILLE, VA — A Gainesville man was sentenced on Friday after he was convicted of giving classified military information to Russian intelligence officials, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The man, Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, was a former Army Green Beret who was accused of collaborating with Russian officials from 1996 to 2011.

On Friday, Debbins was sentenced to 188 months, or more than 15 years in prison. Debbins previously pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit espionage.

Court documents said that Debbins was an active duty officer in the U.S. Army from 1998 to 2005. He initially served as a chemical officer, but Russian intelligence officials encouraged him to pursue a career in a special forces unit, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Alan Kohler Jr. is assistant director of counterintelligence for the FBI. "The Green Berets epitomize heroics, leadership, and bravery, but Debbins was just the opposite," Kohler said. "Debbins’ actions in this case show a complete disregard for his fellow soldiers and for his country."

Court documents claimed that Debbins gave Russian intelligence operatives classified information about his activities when he was deployed. Officials also said that Debbins gave Russian agents the names of his special forces team members and personal information about them.

"His conduct is a personal betrayal of colleagues and country, and it reflects the threat of Russian intelligence operations targeting our military," Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said. "Today’s almost 16-year sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct. It should also serve as a warning to those who would be tempted to do the same."