San Bernardino gun buyer pleads not guilty to federal charges
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The only person charged in the San Bernardino terror massacre pled not guilty to gun, immigration and terrorism-related charges during his arraignment on Wednesday.
Enrique Marquez Jr. was dressed in white and sported a five o’clock shadow during his appearance in a Riverside courthouse. He faces five charges that could put him away for 50 years if he’s convicted.
(Sketch artist Bill Robles)
Marquez appeared attentive and confident, speaking clearly when addressing the judge and calling her “your honor” each time.
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The arraignment lasted about five minutes. Marquez’s trial is set to begin Feb. 23 and the government believes it could last 12-14 days.
Officials say Marquez bought some of the guns used by Jihadi husband-and-wife duo Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik during their Dec. 2 terror slaughter at a holiday party. The Islamist-inspired attack killed 14 and injured 22 others.
Farook and Malik were later killed during a shootout with police.
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Prosecutors allege Marquez purchased the weapons in 2011 or 2012 when he and Farook planned a terror attack they never carried out.
After the attack, Marquez reportedly cooperated with investigators, giving them a wealth of info about Farook.
Marquez’s mom, Armida Chacon, was in the courtroom, seated in the back in a reserved spot.
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(Sketch artist Bill Robles)
Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt and Melissa Chrise and The Associated Press contributed to this report.