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DOJ Declines Prosecution After USRA Self-Disclosure

9/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department issued two declination letters during the Trump administration, including one to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
USRA's cooperation resulted in no prosecution for an employee who illegally sold sensitive software to a Chinese university.
The DOJ promotes self-disclosure of wrongdoing to prevent prosecution, as shown by USRA's case.
Employee Jonathan Soong received a 20-month prison sentence for his actions.

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Story summary

The Justice Department issued two declination letters during the Trump administration, including one to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
USRA's cooperation resulted in no prosecution for an employee who illegally sold sensitive software to a Chinese university.
The DOJ promotes self-disclosure of wrongdoing to prevent prosecution, as shown by USRA's case.
Employee Jonathan Soong received a 20-month prison sentence for his actions.