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 way of social media, based on an announcement from the U.S. legal professional’s workplace. In on-line communications, he allegedly pledged allegiance and expressed want to battle for the terrorist group.
“It’s an honor to battle and die for our religion. It’s one of the simplest ways to go to heaven,” Villanueva allegedly stated to one of many people, based on prosecutors. “Sometime quickly, I’ll be becoming a member of.”
In February, prosecutors stated Villanueva provided one of many self-identified fighters funds by way of an middleman, asking whether or not it might assist pay for sources for ISIS. He allegedly despatched funds totaling $1,615 over the course of 5 months by way of two intermediaries abroad, authorities stated, citing Western Union data.
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, based on the U.S. legal professional’s workplace. He’s charged with making an attempt to offer materials assist 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 residence or overseas, is a critical threat to our nationwide safety,” U.S. Atty. Invoice Essayli stated in an announcement. “We are going to aggressively seek out and prosecute anybody who offers assist or consolation to our enemies.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
