DOJ: Bomb suspect searched targets online
Prosecutors are asking that Cesar Sayoc, 56, remain jailed without bail
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Pipe bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc searched online for addresses of his targets and had photos of many of them on his cellphone, including one of Michelle Obama’s driver’s license, federal prosecutors said in a letter outlining more evidence against him.
The letter sent by Justice Department prosecutors in New York to a Miami federal judge also says Sayoc began plotting the “domestic terror attack” in July while living in his van. The old white vehicle was plastered with photos praising Donald Trump and targeting his critics, depicting some of Sayoc’s alleged opponents with red crosshairs on their faces.
The FBI says Sayoc ultimately mailed 15 improvised explosive devices to prominent Democrats, Trump critics and media outlets before he was arrested last week.
The 56-year-old Sayoc faces five federal charges in Manhattan carrying a combined maximum sentence of 48 years, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said in the letter to U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres that Sayoc should remain jailed without bail. A detention hearing is set Friday in Miami, as well as a hearing on when Sayoc should be sent to New York to stand trial. Additional charges are likely, they said.
“Because of the powerful proof that the defendant perpetrated these acts, he poses a substantial danger to the community. In light of … the likelihood of conviction, the defendant is also a substantial flight risk. Therefore, pretrial detention is appropriate,” the letter says.
Among Sayoc’s online searches for addresses, prosecutors said, were for former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire George Soros, California Sen. Kamala Harris, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, former Attorney General Eric Holder and for “cnn building.” The FBI recovered explosive devices sent to all of them, among others.
Sayoc’s cellphone contains photos of some of his alleged intended victims, the letter adds.
The laptop computer found in the van also has a file with the address of the office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, ex-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, used as the return address on packages containing the pipe bombs, according to the FBI.