WASHINGTON » The father of NSA leaker Edward Snowden acknowledges his son broke the law but doesn’t think he committed treason.

The NBC "Today" show reported today that Lonnie Snowden is sending a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder saying he believes his son would voluntarily return to the United States if the Justice Department promises not to hold him prior to trial and not subject him to a gag order.

The elder Snowden hasn’t spoken to his son since April but says he believes he’s being manipulated by people at the WikiLeaks website.

Lonnie Snowden tells NBC his son broke the law in releasing classified information, but says he didn’t betray the people of the United States.

Edward Snowden, who fled to Russia, is charged with violating U.S. espionage laws.