Bomb Found In Home Of Long Beach Man Linked To ISIS, Federal Authorities Say

LONG BEACH, CA — A Long Beach man has been arrested by federal authorities on suspicion of financing a terrorist group.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement Friday.“We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

Federal prosecutors say Villanueva communicated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS, through social media.

During these conversations, the 28-year-old told the self-identified ISIS fighters that he wanted to support the terrorist group, offering to send money to cover equipment costs and weapons, according to federal prosecutors. He also told them he owned knives and bombs, according to authorities.

In all, Villanueva sent the organization about $1,615 over five months, authorities said.

At one point, Villanueva told the people he was communicating with that he wanted to fight for ISIS.

“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.” Villanueva told them, according to authorities.“Someday soon, I’ll be joining."

Villanueva was arrested Friday morning on a federal criminal complaint. During this arrest, authorities say they found what appeared to be a bomb in his bedroom.

The 28-year-old now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of the charge against him.