Overview

• Federal agents arrested 28-year-old Mark Lorenzo Villanueva on Aug. 1 in Long Beach on a complaint charging him with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
• Court filings state that Villanueva used social media to communicate with two individuals who identified themselves as ISIS fighters, pledging allegiance and expressing intent to join their ranks.
• Western Union records show Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 over a five-month period through intermediaries overseas to finance the group’s activities.
• During the arrest, FBI agents recovered what appeared to be an explosive device from Villanueva’s bedroom, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force has continued its investigation.
• Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, made his initial appearance in federal court Friday and remains in custody pending further proceedings.