Kevin James was a state prison inmate and was charged with recruiting Levar Haley Washington. They were a part of a radical Muslim group that wanted to kill members of the military.
Torrance police uncovered the plot in July 2005 while investigating a string of gas station robberies that authorities say were committed to finance the attacks.
James and Washington recruited two other alleged conspirators, Gregory Vernon Patterson and Hammad Riaz Samana. All but Samana, a Pakistani national, are American-born Muslim converts.
Patterson and Samana are charged with conspiracy to levy war against the U.S. government through terrorism, conspiracy to possess and discharge firearms in a violent crime, conspiracy to kill members of the U.S. government uniformed services and conspiracy to kill foreign officials. Patterson is also charged with a robbery count and using a firearm in a violent crime.
Patterson is expected in court Monday to enter a plea, Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Staples said. He did not elaborate because the plea agreement is under seal.
Samana is currently undergoing a psychological evaluation, Barry said.
Federal prosecutors and law enforcement are going to hold a news conference Friday afternoon to discuss the case. It prompted a nationwide investigation of radical Muslims in prisons.
