Judge to Consider Prosecution Sanctions in Student Explosives Case
Lawyers for a college student charged with transporting explosives are seeking sanctions against Florida prosecutors for delays in turning over thousands of documents and videos found on home computers.
The lawyers for former University of South Florida student Youssef Megahed claim prosecutors had the documents since January, but did not turn them over until April 24, the Tampa Tribune reports. Videos recovered show explosive devices being used against military vehicles and military rockets being launched, according to a defense motion.
A court order required evidence to be turned over by Jan. 9. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday of Tampa has scheduled a show-cause hearing on Thursday to consider the defense complaint.
Megahed’s lawyers claim their client refused consent to search the family home, but his parents allowed it. However, the parents were told agents were looking for explosive materials rather than computers, according to the defense lawyers.
Megahed was arrested along with Ahmed Mohamed after a motor vehicle stop in South Carolina. Mohamed is also facing terrorism-related charges for a YouTube video showing how to use a remote-controlled toy to detonate a bomb.
