CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says a trial in Chicago sends a strong message to would-be corporate thieves even though a judge acquitted a Chinese-born American of the more serious charge of espionage.
Fitzgerald spoke to reporters Wednesday after a judge convicted Hanjuan Jin (HAHN'-wahn JEN') of stealing secrets from Motorola Inc. He acquitted her of economic espionage, saying the evidence was insufficient.
Fitzgerald says prosecutors always hope for convictions on all counts. But he says the mixed verdict still conveys that there's a heavy price to pay.
He says he'd be happy if China itself "took a lesson" from Jin's conviction. But he adds the trial's outcome should foremost give pause to individuals thinking of pilfering company secrets.
Jin still faces up to 30 years in prison on her convictions.