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Mohamed Has New Attorney In USF Explosives Case

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2008

Updated: 01/15/2008 04:25 pm

Bruce G. Howie has been appointed to represent Ahmed Mohamed, a former University of South Florida student who faces charges that he tried to help terrorists.

Howie, who was appointed late Monday afternoon, said he has met with Mohamed and that they intend to go forward with the trial in March.

"There is the possibility that he may retain counsel [elsewhere], but for the time being, I'll be on the case," Howie said.

Mohamed was arrested Aug. 4 along with fellow student Youssef Megahed. The two were charged with illegally transporting explosives after deputies in South Carolina discovered explosive materials in the trunk of their car, authorities said. Mohamed also was accused of trying to help terrorists by posting a video on YouTube in which he demonstrated how to use a remote-controlled toy to detonate a bomb.
Mohamed has said he was transporting homemade fireworks.

John Fitzgibbons initially represented Mohamed, but a U.S. magistrate ruled Monday that he no longer has to represent him.

Mohamed accused Fitzgibbons of providing shoddy legal help for big bucks and accused a high-ranking Egyptian government official of stealing money earmarked for his defense.

Fitzgibbons said he received a nonrefundable $500,000 retainer from the Egyptian government to take the case to trial. He said he has accurate records that show he has earned $100,000 to $200,000 of that money. In the next several days, he said, he will tally his billable hours and refund the remainder.
Egyptian officials contacted by The Tampa Tribune said no money is missing.

Contacted in Egypt Tuesday, Abdel Latif Mohamed, Mohamed's father, said he was unaware that Howie had been appointed. He said he hopes that by today he will hear more from Egyptian officials about a private lawyer for his son.

Federal Public Defender Adam Allen, who is representing Megahed, said Howie has a good reputation.
"I hear he's a very competent and fine attorney," Allen said.

Editor Howard Altman contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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