U.S. Delegation Meets With Marylander Jailed In Cuba

HAVANA (WJZ) --Behind bars in Cuba. New steps are taken to try to free a Maryland man who was thrown in prison, accused of being a spy.

Kai Jackson explains a delegation from Maryland just visited Cuba, pleading for the Cuban government to release Alan Gross.

The fact that a delegation visited with Gross is a big step forward. But his supporters say the best thing the Cuban government could do is release him.

Americans have finally had an opportunity to see jailed U.S. contractor Alan Gross, of Maryland. Members of a U.S. delegation met with Gross for two hours Thursday morning.

He's been locked up since 2009, accused of trying to undermine Cuba's Communist system.

"He is thin, but he is spirited," said David Dreyer, U.S. delegation. "He's feisty. He's funny."

Gross says he was working on a U.S. aid democracy building program in Cuba, trying to improve Internet communications for Cuba's Jewish community, though Jewish leaders have denied having much to do with him.

In March of this year, the Cuban government tried and convicted Gross, essentially labeling him a spy,  a charge Gross denies.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

"Alan has done nothing wrong and we need him home," said Gross' wife.

Members of the U.S. delegation say other than losing weight, Gross is in good shape. But several U.S. officials, including a Maryland congressman, say the Cuban government should release him right now.

"The Cuban government so far has just been outrageous," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, (D) Maryland.

Former President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Rev. Jesse Jackson are part of a group of prominent people calling for Gross's release.

"He does want to come home very badly, but he also has other goals for the future," Dreyer said.

Gross is from Potomac in Montgomery County.

U.S. Officials say relations with Cuba cannot improve while Gross remains in jail.