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Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu Charged with Smuggling Potential Agroterrorism Pathogen into U.S

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DETROIT – Federal authorities have charged two citizens of the People’s Republic of China, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle a dangerous biological agent into the United States.

The charges include conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., making false statements, and visa fraud, as announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

DETROIT – Federal authorities have charged two citizens of the People’s Republic of China, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle a dangerous biological agent into the United States.

Joining Gorgon in the announcement were FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

According to a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday, the two defendants are accused of conspiring to smuggle Fusarium graminearum, a highly destructive fungal pathogen, into the country.

The fungus, classified in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism weapon, causes “head blight” in major crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The disease is responsible for billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally and produces toxins that are hazardous to humans and livestock—causing symptoms such as vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues.

Investigators allege that Jian, who was employed in a University of Michigan laboratory, received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this specific pathogen.

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Forensic analysis of Jian’s electronic devices allegedly revealed materials linking her to the Chinese Communist Party, including documentation of her active membership and allegiance.

Her partner, Zunyong Liu, reportedly a researcher at a Chinese university working on similar pathogens, is accused of smuggling samples of Fusarium graminearum through Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Initially denying the act, Liu later admitted to bringing the material into the U.S. to conduct unauthorized research in Jian’s university lab, according to the complaint.

“This case presents serious national security concerns,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “These individuals, including a declared loyalist to the Chinese Communist Party, are charged with smuggling a pathogen widely regarded as a potential biological weapon into the heartland of America. They allegedly aimed to use a U.S. research facility to further their scheme, putting both public health and our agricultural economy at risk.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the danger posed by the accused. “This was not just academic misconduct—it was a deliberate act that could have had catastrophic consequences for food security and public safety. Thanks to the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force and our partners at CBP, this threat was neutralized before further damage could be done.”

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CBP Field Operations Director Marty C. Raybon echoed those concerns. “This case highlights CBP’s vital role in securing our borders from biological threats. We take seriously any attempt to bring undeclared and hazardous agents into the country, especially when it involves deceptive conduct by foreign researchers.”

Jian is scheduled to make her initial appearance in federal court in Detroit this afternoon. Liu’s status has not yet been disclosed publicly.

Authorities stress that the charges stem from a criminal complaint, which is not evidence of guilt.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further prosecutorial decisions, including whether to pursue felony indictments, will be made as the investigation continues.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

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Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges First Montgomery Baptist Church
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.

According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.

He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.

The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.

The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”

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Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.

Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.

Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.

His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.

In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.

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The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.

Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.

If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.


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