A Point Form Comparison of The Pollard and Ames Cases

Justice4JP Release - January 5, 1994

Facts of the Pollard Case	Allegations in the Ames Case¹
Pollard provided classified intelligence data to Israel, one of the U.S.'s closest allies.	Ames proved classified information to the Soviet Union while it was the U.S.'s implacable enemy during the Cold War
Pollard provided Israel with information to allow Israel to defend itself from hostile nations -- particularly Iraq -intent on Israel's destruction.	Ames provided information to the Soviet Union to increase its offensive capabilities against the U.S.
Pollard was only indicted on one count of providing information to a foreign nation. He was not charged with having "knowledge or reason to believe" that his actions would harm the U.S.	Ames "with intent and reason to believe that it is to be used to the injury of the United Statescommunicated, delivered and transmitted, to representatives of the [Soviet Union]information relating to the national defense of the United States, to wit: classified CIA operations and classified CIA human assets."
Pollard was never charged with taking actions that harmed U.S. intelligence agents.	Ames's conduct resulted in the deaths of at least 10 U.S. agents.
Pollard's initiative in assisting Israel arose when the U.S. began withholding critical defense information from Israel after Iraq's nuclear facility was bombed. He believed his actions were necessary to prevent another Holocaust.	Ames's sole motive was greed, and he was paid approximately $2.7 million for his activities.

¹ These allegations concerning the espionage charges against Aldrich Ames are taken from press reports and court documents filed by the government