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A Southern California man was arrested Friday on suspicion of sending cash to and declaring assist for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, federal prosecutors stated.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a 28-year-old Lengthy Seaside resident, allegedly communicated with two self-identified ISIS fighters by social media, in accordance with an announcement from the U.S. legal professional’s workplace. In on-line communications, he allegedly pledged allegiance and expressed want to struggle for the terrorist group.
“It’s an honor to struggle and die for our religion. It’s one of the best ways to go to heaven,” Villanueva allegedly stated to one of many people, in accordance with prosecutors. “Sometime quickly, I’ll be becoming a member of.”
In February, prosecutors stated Villanueva provided one of many self-identified fighters funds by an middleman, asking whether or not it might assist pay for assets for ISIS. He allegedly despatched funds totaling $1,615 over the course of 5 months by two intermediaries abroad, authorities stated, citing Western Union information.
In his on-line communications, Villanueva stated he owned a bomb and knives, and the FBI recovered what gave the impression to be a bomb from his bed room when he was arrested, authorities stated.
Villanueva is a lawful everlasting resident from the Philippines, in accordance with the U.S. legal professional’s workplace. He’s charged with trying to supply materials assist to a international terrorist group — a cost that carries a possible sentence of as much as 20 years in federal jail.
“Supporting a terrorist group, whether or not at house or overseas, is a severe danger to our nationwide safety,” U.S. Atty. Invoice Essayli stated in an announcement. “We are going to aggressively search out and prosecute anybody who gives assist or consolation to our enemies.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
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