American contractor Alan P. Gross with his wife.

Daily Beast – The White House is demanding Cuba release the U.S. contractor recently sentenced to prison for 15 years. Alan Gross was convicted on Friday for crimes against the state and was cited as a prime example of the United States’ attempt to overthrow the government. Gross’ work was humanitarian and largely committed to helping connect Cuba’s Jewish community to the Internet. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley backed the White House, saying, “We deplore this ruling. Alan Gross is a dedicated international development worker who has devoted his life to helping people in more than 50 countries.