California Man Converts to Islam, Sends Funds to ISIS, Found With Homemade Bomb

Homemade bomb found in Villanueva’s home, FBI photo | Image: Jihad Watch

A 29-year-old man from Long Beach admitted in court on Tuesday that he sent money to individuals believed to be associated with the Islamic State and unlawfully possessed a homemade explosive device, authorities said.

The man, Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. He has remained in federal custody since August.

Court documents state that in February Villanueva began communicating online with a person who claimed to be an Islamic State fighter based in Syria. During their conversations, the individual reportedly explained how Villanueva could transfer money overseas.

Authorities said Villanueva ultimately sent more than $1,600, knowing the funds would be used to purchase ammunition, weapons, and other supplies. Investigators also found that he discussed the possibility of carrying out Islamic State-inspired activities within the United States.

When law enforcement agents searched his home in August, they discovered an improvised explosive device containing ball bearings, nails, screws, and other materials designed to cause harm. Officials noted that the device was not registered as required under federal law.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)