A Muslim convert who had been licensed to work as a security guard pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of attempting to join Al-Qaeda and lying on a US passport application to aid international terrorism.
Sinh Vinh Ngo Nguyen, 24, was arrested earlier in the day in Santa Ana while waiting to board a bus to Mexico, the FBI said.
Nguyen, a US citizen, was ordered detained on the grounds of danger and risk of flight during a brief federal court appearance.
He had long hair, a beard, mustache and wore glasses. His arms were cuffed and shackled to his waist.
Nguyen, who is also known as Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum, attempted to work under the direction of Al-Qaeda, according to an indictment returned Friday.
The four-page document provided no details about the alleged terrorism act.
Investigators do not believe Nguyen was traveling with others, and the FBI said it was not aware of a continuing threat to the public. The investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force was ongoing.
Nguyen's mother, Hieu Nguyen, said at the courthouse that she knew nothing about the case and was surprised by the allegations. She said he converted to Islam in the past year.
Nguyen was licensed as a security guard and had permits for a baton and firearm from California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, according to Russ Heimerich, a state spokesman. He obtained the license and permits in 2009 and they were set to expire 30 September 2013, though it wasn't known if Nguyen tried to renew them.
Officials for the FBI and US attorney's office declined comment. Defence lawyer Amy Karlin also declined comment.
Nguyen is scheduled to return to court 18 October.
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