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Judge To Consider USF Student's Bail Request

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2007

Youssef Megahed / Ahmed Mohamed

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TAMPA - A federal judge this afternoon will consider whether to overturn a magistrate's ruling that Youssef Megahed may be released on $200,000 bail, under strict conditions.

Megahed, an Egyptian citizen who attends the University of South Florida, was arrested and later indicted on a charge of transporting explosives after deputies in South Carolina said they found explosives in the trunk of a car in which he was riding.

The driver of the car, Ahmed Mohamed, was charged with transporting explosives and trying to help terrorists by teaching or demonstrating the use of explosives. That second charge stems from a video authorities say Mohamed made and posted to the Web site YouTube. On the video, Mohamed shows how to use the remote control for a toy to detonate a bomb, according to the prosecution.

Mohamed has waived his right to a bail hearing.

Even if Megahed is released on bail, he will be held under an immigration detainer, unless his defense attorneys persuade an immigration judge to lift the restriction.

Magistrate Elizabeth Jenkins has ruled that Megahed may be released on bail as long as he and his family comply with several restrictions, including a requirement that all his family members surrender their passports. Megahed also would be barred from leaving his family home except to see his attorney or attend religious services. He would be required to wear the most secure Global Positioning System monitor available.

The prosecution is appealing that ruling, arguing that Megahed is a danger to the community and poses a flight risk. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hoffer has suggested in court papers that he may seek to play the YouTube video at today's hearing.

U.S. District Court Judge Steven D. Merryday has scheduled the hearing to commence at 1:30 this afternoon.

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