MILWAUKEE -- A researcher at the Medical College of Wisconsin is charged with espionage after prosecutors say he stole a possible cancer-fighting compound with the intention of studying it in China.

Prosecutors said Hua Jun Zhao stole the compound and research data.

A federal complaint said investigators found 384 items related to research into the compound on Zhao's computer. Authorities also found a grant application in Mandarin in which Zhao said he discovered the compound and requested Chinese funding to continue research.

Zhao, 42, is charged with economic espionage, which carries a maximum 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Public defender Juval Scott said yesterday "a talented professional has been accused of a serious crime." A spokeswoman for the Milwaukee-based medical school said the compound hasn't advanced out of the laboratory-testing phase. -- AP

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

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