The chief executive of a check-cashing company based out of the city of Orange pleaded not guilty to a federal grand jury indictment that alleges he and three others helped illegally supply combat devices to Syrian rebels.
The three-count indictment against Rasheed Al Jijakli, 56, of Walnut — filed July 14 and unsealed Tuesday — accuses him of violating laws prohibiting the exporting of certain goods into Syria. Bond was set at $250,000 at his arraignment, and he was expected to be released Tuesday evening.
A Sept. 26 trial date was set during Tuesday’s hearing.
Jijakli and the three unnamed alleged co-conspirators are accused of smuggling goods from January 2012 through March 2013 into Istanbul, Turkey, where they were handed off to rebel fighters attempting to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Federal prosecutors allege they personally delivered day- and night-vision rifle scopes, laser boresighters, flashlights, radios, a bulletproof vest and other equipment used in combat.
Jijakli could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted.
–City News Service