A 21-year-old North Texas man has been charged in federal court with attempting to provide bomb-making materials and financial support to what he believed was the Islamic State group, authorities announced Monday.
John Michael Garza Jr., of Midlothian, Texas, was charged by federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors allege Garza supplied bomb components and cryptocurrency payments to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of ISIS, though he was instead interacting with undercover law enforcement agents.
According to court documents, Garza was arrested Dec. 22 after meeting with an undercover FBI agent and handing over explosive components. During the meeting, authorities say Garza explained how to assemble the materials into a bomb and offered to send an instructional video detailing the process. He was taken into custody shortly after leaving the meeting.
The investigation began in October, when an undercover New York Police Department employee identified a social media account later linked to Garza that followed pro-ISIS accounts and engaged with extremist content. In subsequent online conversations, prosecutors allege Garza expressed support for ISIS ideology, shared official propaganda releases, and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency that he believed would be used to support ISIS activities, including the purchase of weapons and materials.
Officials said Garza discussed plans to obtain explosives and agreed to meet with individuals he believed were fellow ISIS supporters. Authorities allege he provided detailed guidance on how to assemble an explosive device, including adding nails to increase its lethality.
Garza made his initial court appearance Dec. 23 before a U.S. magistrate judge. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Authorities cautioned that the criminal complaint contains allegations only, and Garza is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
