Man accused of buying the assault weapons used in the San Bernardino massacre could face 50 years in prison
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Federal prosecutors have charged the man tied to the couple who massacred 14 people at a social services agency in San Bernardino, California.
The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that Enrique Marquez, Jr. was indicted on charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists alongside Sayed Rizwan Farook.
Farook is one-half of the married couple who opened fire on a gathering of government employees at the Inland Regional Center on December 2.
The indictment alleges that Marquez, 24, conspired with Farook to assist in a terrorist attack in 2011 and 2012.
Authorities say those attacks were never carried out.
Marquez is also charged with lying about purchasing two assault rifles used in the Inland Regional Center shooting.
“This indictment is the next step in holding Mr. Marquez accountable," Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin said.
Additionally, Marquez is charged with falsifying immigration paperwork "in relation to an alleged sham marriage with a member of Farook’s family."
US Attorney Eileen M. Decker noted that Marquez's "extensive plotting" with Farook in 2011 and 2012 "and his purchase of explosive powder and two firearms" directly led to the murders earlier this month in San Bernardino.
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According to the federal indictment, Marquez could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted on all five counts.
The two assault rifles Marquez allegedly purchased — a Smith and Wesson, model M&P-15 Sport, 5.56-caliber rifle, and a DPMS, model A-15, 5.56-caliber rifle — were acquired separately, according to the indictment.
The document states that Marquez lied on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form regarding those weapons, stating the he was the one buying them. Prosecutors say that statement was false.
Marquez remains in federal custody and is being held without bond. He's scheduled to be arraigned next month.
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