LOS ANGELES, CA – A 28-year-old man from the Long Beach area was arrested earlier in August after officials say the suspect “sent a dozen payments" to alleged ISIS terrorists online, as reported by the New York Post.
Officials further alleged that the suspect had even pledged his loyalty to the terrorist organization amid communications with the suspected terrorists.
On August 1st, federal agents arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident alien from the Philippines, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
In a press release from the Justice Department, Acting Assistant Director Patrick Grandy from Los Angeles’ FBI Field Office claimed the suspect not only sent payments to suspected ISIS terrorists, but even “pledged his allegiance” to the group.
“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” Grandy said, adding, “Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.”
Authorities say Villanueva began communicating with two individuals on social media who identified themselves to him as ISIS fighters. During these conversations online, authorities claim Villanueva eventually began sending payments to the two individuals in a bid to support the terrorist group’s efforts. In total, officials say Villanueva sent the suspected terrorists a sum of $1,615 via twelve separate payments over a period of five months.
Charging documents in the case provide examples of various communications between the men, with Villanueva allegedly having messaged the suspected ISIS members with, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven… Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
Villanueva allegedly boasted to the suspected ISIS members that he had an explosive in his home, with the Justice Department confirming agents recovered what appeared to be an explosive device from the suspect’s residence during the August 1st arrest.
In light of Villanueva’s arrest, Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security. We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”
The suspect, who made his initial appearance in court on the afternoon of August 1st, faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Officials further alleged that the suspect had even pledged his loyalty to the terrorist organization amid communications with the suspected terrorists.
On August 1st, federal agents arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident alien from the Philippines, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
In a press release from the Justice Department, Acting Assistant Director Patrick Grandy from Los Angeles’ FBI Field Office claimed the suspect not only sent payments to suspected ISIS terrorists, but even “pledged his allegiance” to the group.
“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” Grandy said, adding, “Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.”
Authorities say Villanueva began communicating with two individuals on social media who identified themselves to him as ISIS fighters. During these conversations online, authorities claim Villanueva eventually began sending payments to the two individuals in a bid to support the terrorist group’s efforts. In total, officials say Villanueva sent the suspected terrorists a sum of $1,615 via twelve separate payments over a period of five months.
Charging documents in the case provide examples of various communications between the men, with Villanueva allegedly having messaged the suspected ISIS members with, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven… Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
Villanueva allegedly boasted to the suspected ISIS members that he had an explosive in his home, with the Justice Department confirming agents recovered what appeared to be an explosive device from the suspect’s residence during the August 1st arrest.
In light of Villanueva’s arrest, Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security. We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”
The suspect, who made his initial appearance in court on the afternoon of August 1st, faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
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