Tampa judge puts off bail for USF student

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 21, 2007

TAMPA - A suspended University of South Florida student in jail on explosives charges cannot post bail until a hearing on an appeal by federal prosecutors who oppose his release, a judge ruled.

Relatives for Youssef Megahed had secured the $200,000 needed, and met all the conditions for his pretrial release, his attorney said. But federal prosecutors filed a motion Thursday to stop him from getting out.

Megahed, 21, is a "significant flight risk," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hoffer wrote in his motion. He asked the court to issue a stay on the Sept. 14 order by U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Jenkins that set bail conditions.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas B. McCoun III granted Hoffer's request. Megahed will remain at a Hillsborough County jail until U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday sets a hearing on the prosecution's appeal.

"He should not have to suffer these restrictive conditions of pretrial detention any longer than necessary," his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Adam Allen said in court papers.

Ahmed Mohamed, 26, a second suspended USF student indicted with Megahed, did not ask for bail. He awaits an Oct. 3 arraignment.

[Last modified September 21, 2007, 00:50:16]