US federal charges dropped against ‘Israeli’ man over secret biological lab

Ori Solomon, a 55-year-old ‘Israeli’ and property manager, is no longer facing federal charges in connection with the discovery of an illegal biological laboratory at a short-term rental property in Las Vegas.

Federal prosecutors in Nevada filed a motion on May 11, 2026, to dismiss the criminal complaint against him.

The US Attorney's Office stated that, after a careful review of the evidence and additional information provided by the defendant, dismissal served the interests of justice.

The case originated from a joint operation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI on January 31, 2026.

Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Sugar Springs Drive in east Las Vegas, uncovering laboratory equipment, refrigerators, vials, and over 1,000 containers of unknown substances.

The property functioned as an unlicensed short-term rental.

Materials found were later determined to be consistent with components for medical diagnostic test kits, with links to a prior illegal laboratory investigation in Reedley, California.

Solomon, who managed approximately 37 short-term rental properties, was arrested and initially charged at the state level with felony improper disposal and discharge of hazardous waste.

He faced a separate federal charge as a prohibited person in possession of firearms.

As an ‘Israeli’ national residing in the United States on a non-immigrant visa, Solomon was not permitted to possess weapons. Multiple firearms were discovered during the search of his residence.

The federal firearms charge has now been dismissed without prejudice.

Solomon continues to face the Clark County charge related to hazardous waste.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 4, 2026, for proceedings on that matter.

Following his initial arrest, a federal judge released him on conditions, including surrender of his passport and restrictions on travel and weapons possession.

The investigation drew significant attention due to potential connections with Chinese nationals involved in similar operations.

One property owner linked to the Las Vegas site had ties to the Reedley case, where federal authorities had previously prosecuted individuals for operating an unlicensed laboratory containing biological materials.

Officials said that testing revealed no immediate public health threat from the substances recovered in Las Vegas.

Solomon's precise role in the laboratory activities remains under scrutiny. Court records and police reports indicate he served as property manager for the affected rental but had no publicly confirmed expertise in biological sciences.