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Jury Picked, Openings Set In Explosives Trial

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 17, 2009

TAMPA - Opening statements will be given Wednesday in the federal trial of a former University of South Florida student accused of illegally transporting explosives.

Youssef Megahed, 23, also faces a charge of possession of a destructive device in connection with his arrest in August 2007 in South Carolina. He and Ahmed Mohamed were charged after deputies said they found pipe bombs in their trunk during a traffic stop.

Mohamed insisted the items in the trunk were homemade fireworks. But he later pleaded guilty to a charge of helping terrorists in connection with a video he posted on YouTube in which he demonstrated how to use a remote-controlled toy to detonate a bomb. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Megahed is not facing any terrorism-related charges. His attorneys contend the trial should focus on whether the items in the truck meet the legal definition of explosives.

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday selected a jury this afternoon after questioning candidates for a day and a half. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.

Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837.

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