LAS VEGAS (KFSN) — A shocking connection out of Nevada is now putting the spotlight back on an illegal operation that shook the Central Valley more than three years ago.
“As our investigation progressed, we determined that the home was owned by the same individual connected to a prior illegal Bio Lab investigation in Reedley, California, that occurred in 2023,” said Las Vegas Metro Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
The FBI and LVMPD revealed Monday that Chinese national David He, operator of the illegal Reedley biolab at the center of that 2023 congressional investigation, is now linked to a similar operation in Las Vegas.
Investigators searched two Las Vegas homes over the weekend and discovered more than 1,000 samples of what they call “illegal medical-type biological research materials”– later taking them for testing.
“We recognize that the public is seeking clarity. What were they testing for? What possibilities are being considered? However, as the sheriff mentioned in cases like this, our process relies on being slow and methodical,” said FBI agent Christopher Delzotto.
55-year-old Ori Solomon, identified as the property manager, was arrested on scene.
David He is said to be the owner, but not a primary suspect.
He has remained in federal custody since 2023.
His attorney told Action News he has no connection to this latest case.
“He never mentioned anything about LV properties or any other properties to me, about storing any kind of materials, anything of that nature,” said attorney and Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi.
Investigators have not determined exactly what was found in the Las Vegas lab, but say that similarities to discoveries made in Reedley raised red flags.
“The nature of that earlier investigation raised significant concern for what we might encounter in this new case. In Reedley, investigators reportedly discovered an illegal biolab containing materials possibly associated with the range of infectious diseases, including hepatitis, COVID, HIV, malaria, and other potentially dangerous pathogens,” said Sheriff McMahill.
In 2025, California lawmakers, including Congressmen Jim Costa and David Valadao, introduced a bill designed to strengthen federal oversight of high-contaminant labs.
They’re now urging Congress to take action following this latest discovery.
“Now that we see that this problem is widespread and we don’t know how many other such labs might exist across the country, I think that we urgently need to pass that bill,” said California Congressman Kevin Kiley.
In a statement, Congressman Costa said he’s “not surprised” by the discovery and added that he’s been “ringing the bell” on the issue for years.
The County of Fresno and the City of Reedley will hold a joint press conference on Tuesday, February 3, in the afternoon to provide an update on the Reedley lab.
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