The trial of James W. Fondren Jr., a retired USAF lieutenant colonel and former Pentagon civilian employee who is accused of passing classified information to Tai Shen Kuo, an agent of China, began Sept. 21 in US District Court in Alexandria, Va. The Examiner reports that convicted spy Kuo, a naturalized US citizen, testified against Fondren and that the prosecution introduced e-mails that showed Fondren knew the information he passed was classified and was going to the Chinese government. Fondren’s attorney has maintained Fondren did not know Kuo was a spy. (Justice Department release on Fondren’s indictment)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.