Texas man accused of trying to aid Islamic State group is charged with international terrorism
DALLAS– A 21-year-old Texas man who authorities say provided explosive materials and money to people he believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group has been federally charged with international terrorism, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
John Michael Garza Jr. of Midlothian, Texas, is accused of giving bomb-making materials to an undercover federal agent he believed to be an “ISIS brother,” the Justice Department said, using a different abbreviation for the Islamic State group.
No attorney was listed for Garza in court records and the federal public defender’s office in Dallas did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment. If convicted, Garza faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Dec. 22 sting operation took place after an undercover New York City police employee discovered a social media account belonging to Garza that followed several accounts supporting the Islamic State group, authorities said.
The New York employee began sending messages to Garza in October, and the Justice Department said Garza quickly said he “attributed to ISIS ideology.” Garza is accused of sending the undercover employee small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December, allegedly believing his money was supporting the Islamic State group.
During the Dec. 22 meeting, investigators said Garza described to an undercover FBI agent how to mix explosives he provided and offered to share an instructional video on making bombs. Garza was arrested shortly after leaving the meeting.
“Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combating terrorism and demonstrates our continued work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to carry out attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations: you will be brought to justice. »
Garza made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court for Northern Texas on Dec. 23. Federal prosecutors are expected to present their evidence against him at a probable cause and detention hearing Tuesday.
