After spending nearly 18 months in federal prison, Wassim Mazloum returned to his family yesterday, released by a federal judge while he awaits trial on terrorism-related charges.
During the continuation of a hearing in U.S. District Court in Toledo, Judge James Carr ordered that the former University of Toledo student be released on a $300,000 property bond. Mr. Mazloum, 26, also was put on electronic monitoring and ordered into 24-hour supervision by adult members of his family.
Judge Carr approved government monitoring of Mr. Mazloum s phone calls and e-mail communications.
Quite candidly, one of the conclusions I have made, based on the information provided, is that I think the danger to the community is modest at best, the judge said during the hearing.
Mr. Mazloum is charged with conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure persons outside the U.S. and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Born in Lebanon, he grew up in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 2000 and became a legal resident. He was arrested soon after a federal indictment was released in February, 2006.
He is one of three local men and of five total who face terrorism charges as a result of a long-term federal investigation.
Co-defendants Marwan Othman El-Hindi and Mohammad Zaki Amawi each face nine counts of terrorism-related charges. Chicago-based cousins Zubair Ahmed and Khaleel Ahmed are charged with plotting to recruit and train terrorists to attack U.S. troops overseas.
Judge Carr granted the release of the cousins pending trial after a hearing in April. The two were placed on electronic monitoring and in the custody of their families after satisfying a $500,000 bond each by means of family properties.
The judge previously denied bond for Mr. El-Hindi, who is in federal custody.
First Published September 1, 2007, 11:28 a.m.