Trial delayed for Egyptian student facing explosives charges

The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. --

A last-minute appeal on an evidence issue has delayed the Tampa trial of an Egyptian college student facing federal explosives charges.

Twenty-two-year-old Youssef Samir Megahed (you-SEF' sah-MEER' meh-GAH'-head) was supposed to face trial starting Monday. But it was delayed when prosecutors appealed a decision a judge's decision Friday to exclude certain video evidence.

Megahed and Ahmed Abdellatif Sherif Mohamed (AKH'-med ab-dell-ah-TEEF' sheh-REEF' moh-HAH'-med) were arrested after a traffic stop in South Carolina in August.

Deputies say they found explosives in the trunk of their car. Defense attorneys say they were merely ingredients for homemade fireworks.

It wasn't clear when the trial will start. A judge ordered that Megahed may be released on bail while he waits.