In this Oct. 10, 2018, photo, Chinese scientist He Jiankui speaks during an interview at his laboratory in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong province. Chinese state media says the researcher He has been sentenced to three years for practicing medicine illegally. He Jiankui was also fined 3 million yuan. Two others were also sentenced on the same charge. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

BEIJING — The lead researcher in a gene-edited baby controversy has been sentenced to three years for practicing medicine illegally, Chinese media said Monday.

The report by Xinhua news agency says lead researcher He Jiankui was also fined 3 million yuan ($430,000).

Two other people received lesser sentences and fines. Zhang Renli was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 1 million yuan. Qin Jinzhou received an 18-month sentence, but with a two year reprieve, and a 500,000 yuan fine. (AP)