Friend of San Bernardino shooter indicted on gun, terror charges
RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Authorities say a friend of one of the shooters in the San Bernardino massacre that killed 14 people has been indicted on charges that include conspiring in a pair of previous planned attacks and making false statements when he bought the guns later used in this month's shootings.
The federal grand jury indictment announced Wednesday avoids the need for a hearing before a judge to determine whether 24-year-old Enrique Marquez should stand trial.
The charges include conspiring with shooter Syed Farook to carry out attacks on a Southern California college and freeway in 2011 and 2012. They later abandoned their alleged plans.
Marquez, 24, is also charged with two counts for saying two assault rifles he later gave to Farook were only for himself or his immediate family.
Two other counts accuse him of immigration fraud for a sham marriage.
Marquez did not enter a plea when he appeared in court Dec. 21. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Bristow ordered Marquez held without bail until a Jan. 4 hearing.
"The defendant actively conspired with the decedent Mr. Farook for purposes of participating in a terrorist act in this nation," Bristow said during that court appearance, adding that Marquez also obtained smokeless powder that Farook used to create improvised explosive devices.
"The grave threat presented to the community by that conspiracy was demonstrated on Dec. 2 when Mr. Farook and his wife committed a terrorist act on the Inland Regional Center.... He continues to present that danger to the community," Bristow said.
Marquez faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted of all charges.