Bill Richardson in Cuba to Push for American's Release

Former governor trying to win freedom of jailed Alan Gross
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 7, 2011 4:53 PM CDT
Bill Richardson Goes to Cuba to Plead for Release of Jailed American Contractor Alan Gross
This file photo provided by the Gross family shows Alan and Judy Gross.   (AP Photo/Gross Family, File)

Bill Richardson is back in high-profile duty for the time being: The former New Mexico governor has gone to Cuba to try to win the release of American Alan Gross, who has been jailed since 2009, reports CNN. The 62-year-old Gross, a US government subcontractor, is serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted of trying to set up illegal Internet connections in Cuba. He says he was simply trying to get the nation's small Jewish community plugged into the web, notes AP. Jimmy Carter also has lobbied personally on his behalf. (More Bill Richardson stories.)

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