At a Glance
- A 29-year-old Long Beach resident pleaded guilty to funding ISIS and possessing a homemade bomb.
- He sent more than $1,600 to a self-identified ISIS fighter and was found with a bomb packed with metal objects.
- Sentencing is set for June 17, with a potential maximum of 35 years in prison.
- Why it matters: The case illustrates how individuals can covertly support terrorism from within the United States.
A 29-year-old man from Long Beach, California, admitted to sending money to an individual claiming to be an ISIS fighter and to possessing a homemade bomb. The guilty plea, entered in a Los Angeles courtroom, brings federal charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. The case highlights how domestic terrorism can be facilitated through online communications and the use of financial services.
Charges and Plea
The defendant, Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, pleaded guilty to two federal counts:
- Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization – a charge that covers the act of sending money or other resources to a terrorist group.
- Felon in possession of a firearm – a crime that applies because Villanueva had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from owning a gun.
Under the agreement with prosecutors, the plea will be entered on Tuesday, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 17. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the maximum penalty is 35 years in prison.
Villanueva is a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, and the charges stem from a series of communications that began in February 2025.
Communications with ISIS
The exchange of messages started in February 2025 on social media and messaging platforms. Villanueva sent the individual, who claimed to be an ISIS fighter living in Syria, more than $1,600. The Department of Justice stated that the money was intended for:
- Ammunition
- Weapons
- Other supplies to aid ISIS operations
Western Union records show that Villanueva made approximately a dozen payments totaling $1,615 over five months. Prosecutors also say he discussed potential operations for ISIS within the United States.
Villanueva allegedly told the purported ISIS member:
> “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.”
These statements were included in the U.S. Attorney’s Office filing.
Bomb Discovery and Prior Conviction
In August, authorities searched Villanueva’s Southern California home. They found a homemade bomb constructed from ball bearings, nails, screws, and nuts. The bomb was described as a manufactured device packed with metal objects.
At the time of the search, Villanueva already had a conviction in Los Angeles County Superior Court for felony stalking. Because of that conviction, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm.
The discovery of the bomb and the evidence of financial support for ISIS contributed to the decision to bring federal charges.
Custody and Legal Process
Villanueva has been in federal custody since August 2025. He is awaiting sentencing, which is set for June 17. If convicted on the two counts, the maximum sentence is 35 years.
The case demonstrates how individuals can be monitored and prosecuted for both financial support to terrorist organizations and the possession of weapons or bombs.
Key Takeaways
- Villanueva’s guilty plea links him to both financial support for ISIS and the creation of a homemade bomb.
- The case involved a series of online communications that began in February 2025, with over $1,600 sent to a self-identified ISIS fighter.
- A prior felony stalking conviction and a firearm prohibition played a role in the federal charges.
- Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, with a potential maximum of 35 years in prison.
- The case underscores the importance of monitoring financial transactions and domestic threats to prevent terrorism.
