A FedEx Express pilot continues to be detained in China after an incident that occurred in September, according to a message sent last week to members of a FedEx pilots union.

The message from FedEx Local Council 26, part of the Air Line Pilots Association union, asks members to consider providing financial help to First Officer Todd Hohn so he can reunite with his family in Florida.

In a statement Thursday, FedEx did not name Hohn but said it "can confirm that our pilot remains in China pending resolution of this situation."

“He is an excellent pilot for FedEx and we are hopeful for his release in the near future," FedEx said. "As this is an ongoing matter, we will not have further comment."

In September, Hohn was detained in China after pellets used in replica air guns were found in his bag while waiting for a commercial flight to his Hong Kong home, the Wall Street Journal reported then, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said Chinese authorities alleged Hohn was carrying ammunition illegally and launched a criminal investigation.

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Hohn must remain alone in China for the duration of China’s investigation into the matter, per the donation page the message links to.

“His detainment in China during this process could be lengthy,” the page says. “Costs that had never been anticipated but are necessary and unfortunately are significant and ever mounting.”

FedEx said in September the pilot was later released after the event at the Guangzhou airport, at which FedEx has a shipping hub, according to the Associated Press. FedEx has said more than 160 of its 250 weekly flights in China go through the Guangzhou hub.

“Todd’s situation has resulted in a heightened interest and awareness of how we travel internationally," said the union message dated Jan. 21. "It is imperative that you know the rules, and to strictly comply."

The message gives union members travel tips like expecting “increased scrutiny in China, including phone and computer content.”

A lawyer for the Hohn family did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

FedEx’s relationship with China saw turbulence in 2019 beyond Hohn's detainment. After it misrouted packages from Chinese technology company Huawei, the Chinese government began an investigation on the matter. What will come of that investigation remains unclear.

Max Garland covers FedEx, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max.garland@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @MaxGarlandTypes.