Navy officer, a Taiwan native, accused of spying

A Navy officer born in Taiwan is accused of passing secrets to a foreign government, according a charge sheet provided by the Navy and sources familiar with it.

Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lin, who is assigned to the Norfolk-based Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, is in pre-trial confinement at the Navy's brig in Chesapeake, Va., facing a litany of charges. The charge sheet  did not reveal the foreign government, but CBS and Fox News were among media outlets citing military sources who said the government was China.

Lin faces multiple counts of espionage, communicating defense information and making false official statements. He is also charged with adultery and patronizing prostitutes, the charge sheet said.

The Washington Post said the Patrol and Reconnaissance Group oversees maritime patrol aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon and P-3C Orion spy planes and the MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone.

Lin has been held for about eight months, Newsweekand other media reported.

Lin on Friday faced an Article 32 hearing, a preliminary hearing which determines whether there is enough probable cause to send the case to a general court-martial. The judge has 10 days to submit his recommendation to a court-martial convening authority, according to a Navy official.

Lin's name was first reported Sunday afternoon by USNI News.

Lin moved to the U.S. when he was 14. He was naturalized in 2008 along with nine other military members, according to a Navy release that covered the ceremony. At the ceremony, Lin thanked his fellow servicemembers for protecting America.

"You have recognized that not only do citizens have rights, but citizens also have responsibilities. The responsibility you are performing even now as non-U.S. citizen," he said. "Extraordinary events made this nation and our military. People like you, men and women who stepped forward when their nation needed them accomplished these extraordinary events. I thank you for your decision to serve."

Follow David Larter on Twitter: @DavidLarter. Contributing: John Bacon, Paste BN