A Southern California man was arrested Friday on suspicion of sending cash to and declaring help 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 keeping 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 simplest ways to go to heaven,” Villanueva allegedly stated to one of many people, in keeping with prosecutors. “Sometime quickly, I’ll be becoming a member of.”
In February, prosecutors stated Villanueva supplied one of many self-identified fighters funds by an middleman, asking whether or not it will 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 seemed to be a bomb from his bed room when he was arrested, authorities stated.
Villanueva is a lawful everlasting resident from the Philippines, in keeping with the U.S. legal professional’s workplace. He’s charged with making an attempt to supply materials help to a overseas 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 critical danger to our nationwide safety,” U.S. Atty. Invoice Essayli stated in an announcement. “We are going to aggressively seek out and prosecute anybody who supplies help or consolation to our enemies.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
