TAMPA, Florida -- Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 340 aided an investigation involving an improvised explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, by working alongside federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as part of a Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Earlier this month, a federal grand jury indicted Ann Mary Zheng, a Chinese national, on charges of assisting after the fact and evidence tampering in connection with her brother, Alen Zheng, after allegedly placing an improvised explosive device at the MacDill AFB Visitor’s Center.
“Our team worked closely with interagency partners to support this investigation,” said Special Agent Larry Runk, the Special Agent in Charge of Det. 340. “Protecting Department of the Air Force personnel, installations and resources remains central to our mission, and that work depends on coordination across law enforcement agencies.”
According to the DOJ, Ann Mary, knowing that her brother had attempted to damage government property by fire or explosion, assisted him to hinder and prevent his apprehension, trial and punishment.
The indictment further alleges she altered, destroyed, mutilated and concealed a vehicle with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in the federal prosecution of her brother.
She was arrested following her return from China. However, authorities believe her brother, Alen, is still in China.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and David P. Sullivan. If convicted on all counts, Ann Mary faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, the United States is also seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $5,000 from Ann Mary.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance, coordination and a shared commitment to the safety of our military communities,” Runk said.
Editor’s note: An indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.