Long Beach man charged with allegedly sending money to ISIS

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A Long Beach man was arrested Friday morning for allegedly sending a dozen payments to ISIS.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, is charged in Los Angeles federal court with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a felony carrying a possible sentence of up to 20 years behind bars, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

During the arrest, prosecutors say the FBI raided Villanueva's home and found what appeared to be a bomb in his bedroom.

Villanueva allegedly communicated on social media with two people who self-identified as ISIS fighters. Prosecutors claim Villanueva discussed his desire to support ISIS and offered to send money to support the fighter's terrorist activities.

According to the DOJ, Villanueva told one of the self-identified ISIS fighters that he wanted to fight for ISIS himself, stating, "It's an honor to fight and die for our faith. It's the best way to go to heaven... Someday soon, I'll be joining."

He allegedly told the other individual that he possessed a bomb and knives.

In February, prosecutors allege Villanueva messaged one of the self-identified ISIS fighters and offered to send money. He asked whether the money would "cover your equipment and your weapons," and discussed sending it through an intermediary, according to the DOJ.

Prosecutors say Western Union records show Villanueva sent two intermediaries 12 payments during a five-month period that totaled $1,615. The money was accessed overseas, prosecutors said.

"Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security," Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. "We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies."

Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, was expected to make his initial appearance Friday in Los Angeles federal court.

City News Service contributed to this report.