Explosives suspects to have separate trials

TAMPA -- Youssef Megahed and Ahmed Mohamed will have separate trials on federal charges stemming from their August arrest together in South Carolina, a judge ruled today.

Megahed, 22, will go on trial May 5 on charges of illegally transporting explosive materials and a destructive device across state lines.

Mohamed, 26, will face those charges at a trial beginning July 7, along with five additional charges that include accusations of violating his student visa by possessing a firearm, demonstrating how to make an explosive device through a YouTube video and providing material support to terrorists.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty in court today to a new seven-count indictment handed up by a grand jury last week. The new indictment superseded an Aug. 29 two-count indictment.

Before the new trial dates announced today, Megahed and Mohamed were scheduled to go to trial together April 28 on the charge of illegally transporting explosive materials. Mohamed was to go to trial May 12 on the charge involving the YouTube video.

Since shortly after the former University of South Florida students were arrested Aug. 4, Megahed's father has called for his son to stand trial alone, saying that he had done nothing wrong.

"I am happy for this decision," Samir Megahed said outside the courtroom. "I am very happy, because my son is innocent and everybody in this building will know that my son is innocent."

Linda Moreno and Lyann Goudie, Mohamed's attorneys, declined to comment.

In court, Goudie asked for more time to review old evidence that was previously deemed unnecessary because of the previous charges. The new indictment changes that, she said.

Mohamed's parents also showed up in court today for the first time but declined to comment after the proceedings.

Inside the courtroom, Mohamed's mother patted her heart and blew kisses to her son as his father wiped tears from his eyes. Mohamed smiled back and nodded.    

-Kevin Graham, Times staff writer