CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -
Rep. Mark Sanford had spoken with an accused Russian spy who was charged this week.
Maria Butina is facing several charges related to acting as a covert Russian agent here in the United States, and allegedly using sex and deception to build her network and expand her influence.
Butina is the girlfriend of Sanford's business-school classmate.
They both attended a post-Thanksgiving barbecue last year for Sanford at his farm.
Sanford told CNN he was surprised to see Butina's name and picture in the news this week for acting as a foreign agent for Russia.
"I did meet her, a few interactions were pleasant," Sanford told CNN in an interview. "It's the girlfriend of a guy I've known for 30 years. She seemed nice enough."
Copyright 2018 WCSC. All rights reserved.