NARA Collection hh-tompk — Collection hh-tompk

Rudolph Abel was convicted of espionage activities for the Soviet Union against the United States in October, 1957. Abel was probably the most important Soviet spy ever apprehended. His trial shocked the American public with its revelations of dead letter drops, microdots and messages concealed in hollow coins. His conviction was upheld in March, 1960 after an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. This document, from the files of Assistant Attorney General William F. Tompkins, lead prosecutor for the government, is a draft of the grand jury charges against Abel.

Photographs and description of dead letter drop # 3 used by Soviet spy Rudolph Abel.

Full text of U.S. Supreme Court opinion (March 28, 1960) upholding conviction of Rudolph Abel as a Soviet spy. Abel's appeal questioning the manner in which evidence had been obtained, was rejected. Includes dissenting opinions by Justices Brennan, Black, and Douglas.