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Mohamed's New Attorneys Want Trial Postponed

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By THOMAS W. KRAUSE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

Updated: 02/13/2008 11:54 am

TAMPA - A former University of South Florida student, facing federal charges that he helped terrorists, got two new lawyers Tuesday but he might not get to postpone the trial scheduled for next month.

Last month, Ahmed Mohamed gave a long rant in open court in which he accused his attorney, John Fitzgibbons, of providing shoddy legal help for big bucks. He also accused a high-ranking Egyptian government official of stealing money earmarked for his defense.

Fitzgibbons said Mohamed was an exceptionally difficult client. Egyptian officials contacted by The Tampa Tribune said no money is missing.

Tuesday, lawyers Linda Moreno and Lyann Goudie announced that they would represent Mohammed. Moreno previously represented former USF professor Sami Al-Arian. She and Goudie were on a team of attorneys who represented actor Wesley Snipes in his recent tax evasion trial.

In court Tuesday, Moreno asked federal Magistrate Mark Pizzo if he would postpone the March trial date to give her time to catch up. Pizzo asked her to put the request in writing and said the decision would be up to U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday. He also said Mohamed was told in January that the trial date was approaching quickly and new legal representation would not necessarily be grounds for postponement.

Mohamed was arrested Aug. 4 along with fellow student Youssef Megahed. The two were charged with illegally transporting explosives after deputies in South Carolina said they found explosive materials in the trunk of their car.

Mohamed has said they were homemade fireworks.

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this story incorrectly identified which of Ahmed Mohamed's two lawyers was on the team that represented actor Wesley Snipes. Linda Moreno was on that team.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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