Beijing, China ? A Chinese researcher for The New York Times was acquitted today of state secrets charges but was convicted of fraud and sentenced to three years in prison, one of his defense attorneys said.

Zhao Yan, 44, was detained in 2004. The government has not released details, but the case is believed to stem from a Times report on then-Chinese leader Jiang Zemin’s plans to relinquish his post as head of the military.

Zhao’s attorney, Guan Anping, said he didn’t know whether Zhao would appeal the conviction, which was handed down by the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court.