Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Venezuela Charges US Citizen with Terrorism

VOA News

   Venezuelais charging arecently arrested U.S. citizen withterrorism and
   weapons trafficking.

   Chief prosecutor Tarek Saabsaid Matthew John Heath, who was arrested in
   Venezuela last week, was plotting attacks against Venezuela's oil
   industry and electricity system.

   Saab said Heath wastraveling in a vehicle andcarrying a
   "coin"allegedlylinking him to the U.S.Central Intelligence Agency,but
   he did not provide any details.

   Saab also said three Venezuelans citizens detained with Heath,
   including one member of the military, are charged with treason in
   connection to the alleged plot.

   The U.S.State Department had no immediate comment after the charges
   were announced Monday.

   Heath's plight was first revealed last week by Venezuelan President
   NicolasMaduro, who said at the time, anunnamed U.S.citizen was arrested
   while allegedly spying on the country'sAmuayandCardonrefineries in
   western Falcon stateandcarrying "specialized weapons" and large amounts
   of cash.

.