Some elderly Cold War spies who betrayed the U.S. are still in prison. They may never get out

Thirty years after the arrest of Aldrich Ames, the double agent remains in a U.S. prison. Analysts say the fallout from such stinging betrayals can jeopardize national security and put lives at risk — all factors that play into determining why some spies, like Ames, remain locked up indefinitely.

Some elderly Cold War spies who betrayed the U.S. are still in prison. They may never get out
Aldrich Ames is seen leaving a U.S. federal courthouse in Alexandra, Va., after being arraigned on spying-related charges on Feb. 22, 1994.

Thirty years after the arrest of Aldrich Ames, the double agent remains in a U.S. prison. Analysts say the fallout from such stinging betrayals can jeopardize national security and put lives at risk — all factors that play into determining why some spies, like Ames, remain locked up indefinitely.