Temple physicist "relieved" after charges dropped

A Temple University physicist who had been accused of selling sensitive technical defense information to China said Saturday that he was gratified that prosecutors had decided to drop charges.

In a statement, Xiaoxing Xi said he was "relieved that the justice system has done its work and the threat of criminal prosecution of me has been lifted."

Xi had been charged in May with four counts of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors filed a motion Friday to dismiss the case.

"I am innocent," Xi said. "I have done nothing more than common academic collaborations practiced by so many colleagues every day."

- Stephan Salisbury