Suspect in MacDill bomb plot asks for pretrial release

TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A woman charged in connection with an explosive device being left outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is asking a federal court to be released until trial.

Ann Mary Zheng, 27, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.

Prosecutors say Zheng and her brother, Alen Zheng, planted a device March 11 outside the visitors center at MacDill and then called 911 call to alert authorities.

Base personnel searched MacDill but did not locate the device immediately. It was ultimately found on March 16 in a secluded area near the visitor center.

The device did not detonate, but prosecutors warn it could have been potentially deadly.

Federal investigators said the siblings left for China March 12 after buying plane tickets and selling the vehicle investigators believe was used to transport the device.

Alen Zheng remains in China. Ann Mary Zheng was charged upon her return to the U.S. Alen Zheng is also facing a federal indictment as officials work to extradite him back to the U.S.

Prosecutors say Ann Mary Zheng helped her brother flee and helped dispose of evidence by taking part in the sale of the vehicle.

In a motion file in federal court April 20, defense attorneys argue Ann Mary Zheng is not a flight risk and should be granted pretrial release.

“The conduct is alleged to have occurred prior to her brother’s indictment or arrest. There is no evidence of a conspiracy or aiding or abetting,” the motion says.

They also point out Zheng voluntarily came back to the U.S. and has cooperated with federal authorities. They also say Zheng had a opportunity to flee after being questioned by federal authorities in Detroit but chose not to.

“She was near the Canadian border, passport in hand, and could easily have rerouted herself to abscond from this prosecution knowing the authorities were on her trail,” the motion said.

If Zheng is granted pretrial release, “Ms. Zheng will return to the home owned by her parents in Pasco County on GPS giving Pretrial her every move,” the motion said.