Fugitive Chinese Researcher Makes Initial Appearance in Federal Court

The Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse (Eastern District of California) in Sacramento, Calif., on July 27, 2020. (Rui Xu/The Epoch Times)

Juan Tang, a former researcher at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), made her initial appearance in the United States District Court in Sacramento, California, on July 27.

According to Heiko Coppola, attorney for the prosecutor, the government is moving for detention at this time.

An initial appearance is a hearing in front of a judge that is conducted within 24 hours of the defendant being taken into custody in a criminal case.

Tang, a Chinese national, took refuge at the San Francisco Chinese Consulate and was arrested on July 23.

The complaint against her was filed by FBI agent Steven Dilland on June 26 for fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents.

Tang’s lawyer, Lexi Negin, said she needs to prepare a lot of information to prepare a bond package for the court. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Negin was not able to prepare the package in time for the initial appearance, but hopes to get it as soon as possible.

Given the lack of information about Tang’s criminal history, the court ruled that there will be no restraint issued.

A hearing has been set for Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. before magistrate judge Edmund Brennan for a preliminary investigation.

If Tang is found guilty, she could face 10 years in federal prison or a fine of $250,000.

The Sacramento County Jail in Sacramento, Calif., where Chinese fugitive Juan Tang is being held, on July 27, 2020. (Ted Lin/The Epoch Times)