IN BRIEF

The three-week trial of former USF student Youssef Megahed ended with a not guilty verdict.

On Friday, the 23-year-old was acquitted of illegally transporting explosive materials and possessing a destructive device.

If Megahed had been convicted, he could have faced up to 20 years in prison.

Megahed was arrested in August 2007 when he and former USF student Ahmed Mohamed were pulled over for speeding in Charleston, S.C. PVC pipes, fuses and other materials were found in the trunk of their vehicle.

Mohamed pleaded guilty in December of providing support to terrorists and faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

When Megahed was arrested, he was one class short of graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering.

USF spokesman Michael Hoad said Megahed’s student status has expired, but he could reapply to the University if he wanted to.

Hoad also said the University has not made a judgment about the trial and the situation.

— Julia Pappacoda