Bangladesh, Sept. 28 -- A Russian woman facing federal charges of lying to the FBI and transporting women for prostitution has avoided pre-trial imprisonment after a New York judge declined prosecutors requests to detain her. The case, marked by allegations of intoxicated late-night texting, possible links to Russian intelligence, and connections to a broader network of influence operations, has generated significant attention in both legal and political circles.

Nomma Zarubina, 34, was indicted last year for allegedly lying to FBI agents about her contacts with an officer in Russias powerful FSB intelligence service. According to prosecutors, she operated under the code name “Alyssa.” The allegations intensified in April 202...