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Man Accused In Jewish Center Bomb Plot Pleads Not Guilty

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) — A man accused of plotting to set off an explosive at an Aventura synagogue and school has entered a plea of not guilty.

On Tuesday, a lawyer for James Medina, 40, entered the plea during a brief hearing in Miami federal court. Medina faces life in prison if convicted of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

he FBI says Medina plotted with an undercover informant to bomb the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center during recent Passover observances.

Medina was arrested after the informant provided him with a fake bomb.

FBI recordings show Medina allegedly supported the Islamic State group and claimed an obligation to attack Jews in the U.S. Medina's lawyer says he suffers from long-term mental illness.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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