A Southern California man on Friday said a man from ISIS was suspected of providing funds to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS and announced support.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a 28-year-old Long Beach resident, allegedly communicated with two self-identifying ISIS fighters via social media, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He allegedly promised allegiance in the online communication and expressed his desire to fight for the terrorist group.
“Fighting for our faith is an honor. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” according to the prosecutor. “I’ll join one day.”
Prosecutors said in February that Villanueva provided a self-identified fighter payment through an intermediary asking if it helped pay for ISIS resources. He allegedly sent a total of $1,615 in payments overseas for five months.
Authorities said in his online newsletter that he owned the bomb and knives and that the FBI took back what appeared to be a bomb from the bedroom when he was arrested.
Villanueva is a legal permanent resident of the Philippines, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He is responsible for trying to provide significant support to foreign terrorist groups, the charge could be sentenced to a 20-year sentence in federal prison.
“Both at home and abroad, supporting terrorist organizations is a serious risk to our national security,” we Atti. Bill Essayli said in a statement. “We will actively pursue and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to the enemy.”
The FBI is investigating the case.
