The Two Egyptian Men Could Get New Attorneys|ABC News 4

text size: A | A | A

The Two Egyptian Men Could Get New Attorneys

posted 4:03 pm Mon September 10, 2007 - Charleston, SC

tags: savage • mohamed • megahed

Andy Savage has represented Youssef Megahed from the start. But now Savage is encouraging the family to find another attorney.

ABC News 4 - The Two Egyptian Men Could Get New Attorneys

related stories:

"I think it's the proper thing for transitions to an attorney in the Tampa area. There are alot of terrific private counsel in Tampa, many I have worked with in the past, and because of his financial status he may also be entitled to the services of a public defender," Savage said.

Megahed is considered a U.S. Citizen. But for the other defendant, Ahmed Mohamed, that's not the case.

He has been in the country on a temporary visa since the beginning of the year, which means international authorities are involved in the case.

"Because he was on a student/teacher of education professional visa-that was the reason the government was involved," said Lionel Lofton, attorney for Mohamed.

Both men are in federal custody for charges of carrying explosives across state lines, but Mohamed..has an additional charge against him.

"The additional charge has to do with the demonstration the making of these explosive devices that's the allegation," Lofton added.

An allegation that could put him in prison for 20 years. That is why the Egyptian government is carefully choosing Mohamed's attorney and they want to keep Lofton.

"Since that case has now been moved to Tampa the Egyptian Embassy has asked if I would stay on representation," Lofton said. "I have sent a proposal to them to continue with the representation in Tampa."

Both men are expected to face a judge this Friday for a bond hearing. While Megahed could get bond and be with his family, Lofton says, Mohamed may not get bond because he's not a U.S. citizen. Even if he got bond Immigration and Naturalization Service would likely keep him detained.

You need to be a registered member of
ABC News 4 to leave comments on news stories.

Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.

Please leave your comments below:

Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.

The 'RUNNING MAN' icon is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.