A man from southern California was arrested Friday under suspicion of sending money and declare support for the Islamic State of Iraq e Syria, or ISIS, federal prosecutors said.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a 28 -year -old Long Beach resident, allegedly communicated with two self -identified ISIS combatants through social networks, according to a statement from the United States prosecutor's office. In online communications, he supposedly promised loyalty and expressed his desire to fight for the terrorist organization.
“It is an honor to fight and die for our faith. It is the best way to go to heaven,” Villanueva said allegedly one of the people, according to prosecutors. “Someday soon, I'll join.”
In February, prosecutors said Villanueva offered one of the self -identified combatants payments through an intermediary, asking if it would help pay for resources for ISIS. Supposedly sent payments for a total of $ 1,615 in the course of five months through two intermediaries abroad, authorities said, citing records of the Western Union.
In his online communications, Villanueva said he owned a bomb and knives, and the FBI recovered what seemed to be a bomb in his room when he was arrested, authorities said.
Villanueva is a permanent legal resident of the Philippines, according to the office of the United States prosecutor. He is accused of trying to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a position that entails a potential sentence of up to 20 years in a federal prison.
“Supporting a terrorist group, either at home or abroad, is a serious risk for our national security,” Bill essayli said in a statement. “Aggressively we will hunt and process anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
