A Southern California man was arrested on suspicion of sending money Friday to declare his support for the Islamic State or ISIS, federal prosecutors said.
According to a statement from the U.S. Lawyer’s Office, 28-year-old Long Beach resident Mark Lorenzo Villanueva reportedly communicated with two self-identified ISIS fighter jets through social media. Online communications say he pledged allegiance and expressed his desire to fight for terrorist organizations.
“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” Villenueva, according to the prosecutor, said to one of the individuals. “I’ll be joining soon one day.”
In February, prosecutors said they asked whether Villanueva would provide one of the self-identified fighter payments through intermediaries and would help pay for ISIS resources. He allegedly sent a total of $1,615 payments over five months through two intermediaries overseas, citing Western Union records.
In his online communications, Villanueva said he owns a bomb and a knife, and the FBI recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom when he was arrested, authorities said.
According to the US Lawyer’s Office, Villanueva is a legal permanent resident of the Philippines. He is accused of trying to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. This is a charge that sentences up to 20 years in federal prison.
“Supporting terrorist groups, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said the US Atty. Bill Essayri said in a statement. “We will actively corner and prosecute those who provide support and comfort to our enemies.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
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