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Md. Man Accused Of Stealing Gov't. Secrets To Be Held; Flight Risk

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – A federal judge has ordered the Anne Arundel County man accused of the largest theft of government secrets in U.S. history to be held behind bars indefinitely, saying he is a flight risk.

Hal Martin, an NSA contractor from Anne Arundel County and computer expert, will stay behind bars, awaiting trial in what the government describes as the largest theft of top secret documents in U.S. history.

His lawyer says Martin is simply a hoarder, who had no intention to harm the country he loves.

"Howard is no risk of flight. He loves America and trusts in its justice system," said James Wyda, Martin's lawyer.

Martin had been stealing classified government documents for as long as 20 years, hiding them at his home in Glen Burnie in an unlocked shed outside and in his car.

Authorities also found a stash of gun, including two assault-style weapons.

His wife says she knew nothing of the theft.

"I love him. That's it," she said. "I'm sorry. I can't comment on anything. I understand you guys have a job to do, but I don't have anything to say."

Her husband's lawyer insists Martin is no Edward Snowden -- the other Maryland contractor who leaked classified NSA documents.

"This is the start of a long process. This is the first step, and we anticipate appealing [the judge's] ruling," said Wyda.

Justice Department lawyers say Martin would be of unprecedented value to the enemies of the United States. They say the material he stole is extremely damaging to national security, and that Martin is not being fully truthful about his crimes.

The judge said Martin is two people -- one who lectured NSA workers about the importance of keeping government-classified documents safe, and the other who was willfully stealing them and leaving them haphazardly throughout his home.

Martin is a Navy veteran. He has lived in Maryland since 2000, and was studying for a Ph.D. at UMBC.

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