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Mohamed Gets New Attorney

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By JOSH POLTILOVE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2008

TAMPA - Bruce G. Howie has been appointed to represent Ahmed Mohamed, a former University of South Florida student who is charged with trying to help terrorists.

Howie, who was appointed late Monday afternoon, said he had met with Mohamed and 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 in South Carolina on Aug. 4 along with fellow student Youssef Megahed. The two were charged with illegally transporting explosives after sheriff's deputies there said they discovered explosive materials in the trunk of the students' car. 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 had to.

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 on Tuesday, Mohamed's father, Abdel Latif Mohamed, said he was unaware Howie had been appointed. He said he hoped that by today he would 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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