THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, October 26, 1996            TAG: 9610260334
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: METRO BRIEFS 
DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   27 lines

WOULD-BE SPY DID IT FOR FUN, PROSECTORS SAY

A nuclear submarine crewman who tried to sell military secrets to the Russians did it for money and excitement - not for love as he had suggested, a prosecutor said in court Friday.

Petty Officer Kurt G. Lessenthien, 30, had said that he thought he could prevent his wife from leaving him if he sold the secrets and used the money to pay off his debts.

But the Navy prosecutor said during closing arguments at a sentencing hearing that the case was not about a crumbling marriage.

``This is an accused who is dissatisfied with his life,'' Lt. Cmdr. Chris Reismeier said. ``Why not become a James Bond kind of guy?''

The hearing before a six-member Navy panel was expected to resume Monday with additional closing arguments in closed session in order to discuss classified material.

Lessenthien pleaded guilty Sept. 20 to attempted espionage and failure to properly safeguard classified material. From staff and wire reports

KEYWORDS: SPY COURT MARTIAL by CNB