U.S. marshals are searching for a Chinese citizen who fled after being accused of an armed rape in Montgomery County.
Ken Chong was released on $15,000 bail in 2001 and never returned to court.
“Chong is charged with a very serious offense and the [U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force] wants to make sure that all fugitives are aware that we will not stop looking for them,” said task force supervisor Matthew J. Burke.
Marshals believe Chong fled to China after making bail. The United States and China do not have an extradition agreement, which means Chinese officials are not required to turn over suspects in U.S. criminal cases. According to media reports, the two countries are discussing details of a possible treaty.
But Chong, 39, has ties to the Washington area and might have returned to the United States on his own. He lived on Wyndham Circle in Alexandria and Columbia Pike in Arlington. He has no known connection to Montgomery County and no prior criminal history in the United States.
“Fugitives can flee and hide for a period of time, but we will not stop looking and eventually we will catch up with them,” Burke said.
Anyone who has any information regarding Chong’s whereabouts anywhere in the world or who knew Chong before he fled and might be able to provide background information should call the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at 301-489-1717.
