Aili Wang, a 32-year-old University of Wyoming microbiology graduate student, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Oct. 6. Prosecutors allege she was preparing to travel to China and had several laptops, electronic storage devices and physical records with her. CTV News, in coverage credited to the Associated Press, reported that Wang was being held in Los Angeles without bail as of Tuesday. When she may be formally extradited to Wyoming remains unclear.
In Wyoming, Wang faces a felony aggravated assault and battery charge. Prosecutors sought to raise her $200,000 bond ahead of extradition, and Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Sanford set it at $1.5 million cash-only, according to CTV’s AP-based report. The charge carries a maximum 10-year prison term and a $10,000 fine under Wyoming law. The report said court documents did not list an attorney for Wang.
Evidence described in the investigation
The investigation followed a colleague’s report of worsening health in August. CTV’s account of Associated Press reporting said the colleague experienced severe fatigue and difficulty sleeping and noticed an unusual taste in tea made with a desk coffee maker. A chemistry professor tested water from the machine and identified acrylamide. The colleague’s wife and others isolated 63 milligrams of white powder from the water; the sample tested positive for the chemical and was given to university police, the report said.
According to the campus police affidavit as described by CTV, cameras were installed in the shared office. Recordings allegedly showed Wang going through the colleague’s desk on Sept. 27. On Oct. 1, she was recorded photographing and handling notebooks and rinsing his mug with liquid from her own mug. The affidavit also said the students had a poor relationship and did not work in the same research area.
Police questioned Wang on Oct. 5. CTV’s report said she told investigators she had not used acrylamide in years. Police also alleged she bought the chemical twice through eBay the previous summer and later asked the site to delete her account. These investigative details are based on CTV’s reporting of the Associated Press report and the affidavit; they have not been independently verified here.
Reported effects on the colleague
CTV’s AP-based report said the colleague sought care at a campus clinic in August after developing finger tingling and numbness, along with leg weakness. Gomelsky told the AP that the colleague continued to have trouble concentrating, tired easily and had reduced sensation in his left hand. He was uncertain about the prospect of a full recovery. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry describes high-dose acrylamide exposure as capable of causing nerve-related effects, including weakness and numbness, in its toxicological profile.
Laboratory safety requirements
According to OSHA, its Laboratory Standard requires safe work practices and a Chemical Hygiene Plan in covered laboratories where hazardous-chemical use creates potential employee exposure. This general requirement does not establish whether the standard applied to or was followed in this case.
