CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An American and Chinese dual citizen is charged with stealing secrets from a Charlotte-based company to use overseas, Channel 9 learned exclusively.
Xiwen Huang made an initial appearance at federal court Friday afternoon. Neighbors of his Ballantyne home on Baileywick Road told Eyewitness News FBI agents were at his home much of the day.
Roxanne Gatlin saw the agents arrive in the morning.
"Several hours later, I noticed they were all leaving and they all had on FBI jackets," she said.
Court documents, now sealed, accused Huang of working for a Charlotte-based energy technology company while he simultaneously had a company of his own.
He scheduled meetings with "state-owned Chinese power companies," investigators said.
An email believed to be written by Huang called "Trip of Dream Realization" read in part, "As the main thrust during the country's development, it is necessary and obligatory for our generation to fulfill our share of responsibility in contributing towards the societal progress of China," according to documents.
Huang is charged with conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets and theft of trade secrets and interstate transportation of stolen property. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Magistrate Judge David Cayer ordered that he remain detained pending a detention hearing after prosecutors claimed Huang is a flight risk.
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