Ex-Aerospace Executive Indicted in Spy Case
A former aerospace research firm executive was indicted Thursday in Los Angeles on charges he allegedly exported sensitive information on the “Star Wars” weapons system to Japan. The federal grand jury indictment charges Ronald Hoffman, 51, of Los Angeles, with illegally exporting technical data relating to arms, ammunition and implements of war and lying on export control documents.
Hoffman also was charged with violating the Anti-Apartheid Act for attempting to sell computer software technology to an undercover U.S. Customs Service agent posing as a South African businessman last June. The Anti-Apartheid Act prohibits the export of certain weapons to South Africa and is aimed at “helping to bring an end to apartheid,” Assistant U.S. Atty. William Fahey said.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Dec. 6, 1990 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday December 6, 1990 Home Edition Metro Part B Page 2 Column 4 Metro Desk 2 inches; 46 words Type of Material: Correction
Ronald Hoffman indictment--The headline on an article that appeared in Nov. 16 editions incorrectly identified the federal indictment of Ronald Hoffman as a “spy case.” In fact, as the article reported, Hoffman was indicted on charges of illegally exporting technical data on arms and of lying on export control documents.
Hoffman, a former general manager at Science Application International Corp. of Los Angeles, was arrested June 14. His lawyer said Hoffman would fight the charges.
