Judge tosses plea deal for couple accused of trying to sell submarine secrets hidden in sandwiches and gum wrappers

A judge threw out the plea agreements for a Maryland couple accused of trying to sell US submarine secrets to a foreign country.

The proposed sentences for Jonathan and Diana Toebbe were not nearly harsh enough because they were not in the best interest of the US according to the Baltimore Sun.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Jonathan, a former Navy engineer, faced up to 17 years in prison, while Diana, a teacher, faced up to 3 years in prison.

According to The New York Times, Groh said there are lower-level drug dealers that go to prison for a long time.

West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority via AP

After a year-long FBI sting operation, the Toebbes were arrested in October 2021.

Jonathan had a national security clearance because he worked for the Navy.

The Justice Department said in a statement at the time of their arrest that Jonathan and his wife tried to sell "restricted data" about nuclear-powered submarines to a foreign state.

According to prosecutors, Jonathan was sent thousands of dollars in cryptocurrencies by an undercover FBI agent in exchange for information.

According to court documents, the couple traveled to West Virginia multiple times during the FBI sting operation to leave information for the undercover agent.

According to court documents, the couple is accused of placing anSD card between a peanut butter sandwich. Prosecutors say the couple put another card in a package.

The couple withdrew their guilty pleas in the wake of the ruling. Next year, the case will go to trial.