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Explosives Case Puts 'Big Stress' On Megahed's Family

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

Related Story: Fitzgibbons Tapped For Explosives Case Defense

TAMPA - As his son appeared in federal court on explosives charges, Samir Megahed struggled with the overwhelming strain of the prosecution and family problems.

"We're under big stress," the 60-year-old said in a telephone interview.

Megahed said he is recovering from a heart attack he suffered ten days ago. "I am good now," he said.

On Monday, he said, his 68-year-old brother died in Egypt. Samir Megahed is unable to travel to be with his brother's family because he is hoping his son, Youssef, will be released on bail.

One of the conditions of a bail order is that the entire family would have to surrender their passports. The bail order is under appeal by prosecutors. A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for Friday on that issue.

"I am waiting to give the government my passport," Samir Megahed said.

Samir Megahed said prosecutors last week gave subpoenas to him, his wife and daughter, calling for them to appear before a grand jury. But the subpoenas were canceled this afternoon, with no reason given.

It was not clear why Megahed's testimony was sought and then canceled. Steve Cole, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, would not comment, saying his office does not discuss grand jury matters.

Megahed's son, Youssef, pleaded not guilty today to a charge of illegally transporting explosives. He and another University of South Florida student, Ahmed Mohamed, were arrested Aug. 4 in South Carolina after deputies said they found explosives in their trunk after a traffic stop.

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