Alleged Spy's Neighbors Shocked Over Arrest

Feb. 20 -- To Russian intelligence, he was allegedly known as "Ramon," a longtime informant on U.S. secrets.

But to residents in his quiet neighborhood in Vienna, Va., Robert Hanssen, 56, was just "Bob," devout Christian and father of six who could be seen at church every Sunday. For more than 15 years, Hanssen allegedly spied for the Soviet Union and Russia, passing on classified information for more than $1.4 million in cash and jewels.

FBI officials say Hanssen was arrested Sunday night after he deposited a package containing classified information in a park near his neighborhood. Overnight, he went from being a low-key family man to only the third FBI agent ever accused of spying.

His neighbors were stunned.

"I called four women this morning after I saw it on television really early and the same reaction: 'No way. Not Bob. This isn't Bob.' That was the reaction … It's a horrible thing," said Nancy Cullen, who said she has known the Hanssens for 10 years. "He just seemed like a regular person … every Sunday — shuffling all those kids into the van, all eight of them into the van, off to Mass. I know that because I walked by there every Sunday."

Devout Christian Family

Described as a father of six children and a devout Christian who belonged to a very conservative Catholic organization called Opus Dei — "work of God" — who attended the same church as FBI Director Louis Freeh.

Cullen wasn't the only neighbor who noticed the Hanssens' apparent devout nature, and not just because of their regular attendance at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, where his wife, Bonnie, also volunteered as a part-time teacher. There are "Jesus Saves" bumper stickers on their cars and the Hanssens' dog's name in Sunday.

"I don't know what gave me, sort of the collective impression that they're very devout in their faith, but they seem to be," Jennifer Jones said. "Certainly, you know, I'm hoping that they can draw on that during this terrible time as people."