SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS – AT 11:01 A.M. ET:  This story has simply not been given the attention it deserves:

WASHINGTON -- A scientist and his wife who both once worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory before becoming outspoken critics were arrested Friday after an FBI sting operation and charged with trying to sell nuclear secrets to Venezuela.

The scientist, Pedro Leonardo Mascheroni, is being detained until a hearing Monday morning in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife, Roxby Mascheroni, was released on a variety of conditions, including a monitor attached to her.

The investigation first drew attention last October when federal agents reportedly seized six computers, two cameras, two cellphones and hundreds of files from the scientist, Pedro Leonardo Mascheroni.

Mascheroni declared his innocence to The New York Times last year, saying, "If I were a real spy, I would have left the country a long time ago."

After their arrest Friday morning, the two appeared in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico and were accused of dealing with an FBI undercover agent posing as a Venezuelan agent. The government did not allege that Venezuela or anyone working for it sought U.S. secrets.

COMMENT:  There is no question that the husband is an embittered, fired employee.  That may be all there is here.

But there also may be more.  Why would someone think that Venezuela wants to develop nuclear weapons, or would want nuclear secrets?  Please remember that Venezuela is building a close relationship with Iran.  Recent reports from Fox News suggest that technical and intelligence people fly back and forth between the two countries on special airline flights reserved for them. 

Reporters should stay on the story.  What did Mascheroni know about Venezuela that the U.S. Government should know?  Were there contacts?  Is Venezuela working on its own nuclear weapons?

Some day, there may be a lot more coming across our border besides illegal immigrants.

September 18, 2010