TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Megahed Explosives Trial Begins Today In Tampa

News Channel 8 photo

Youssef Megahed, right, faces charges of illegally transporting explosives and possession of a destructive device in connection with his arrest in August 2007 in South Carolina.

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - Opening statements will be given today 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 found pipe bombs in their trunk during a traffic stop, authorities said.

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

Megahed is not facing 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 Tuesday afternoon after questioning candidates for a day and a half.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT