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No bail for Jewish Defense League bomb suspect

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A member of the Jewish Defense League facing charges of plotting to blow up Arab and Muslim targets in Southern California, including the offices of a congressman, was denied bail Friday.

During a court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Victor B. Kenton ordered Earl Krugel, 59, to remain in federal custody, calling him a "flight risk" and a "danger to the community." Krugel, the West Coast coordinator of the JDL, was arrested December 12 after five pounds of explosive powder was delivered to his home, authorities said. Other weapons and bomb making materials were seized during a raid by the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.

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According to an FBI affidavit, Krugel and JDL Chairman Irv Rubin conspired to detonate explosives at the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City, the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles and the district office of U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa.

The attack was meant as a "wake-up call" to defend the interests of Jews and to terrorize Muslims, according to the affidavit.

Both men deny the charges and believe federal authorities may have entrapped them, according to their attorneys.

The alleged plot was broken up by another JDL associate, who tipped federal authorities and began cooperating as part of a sting operation in October, officials said.

Krugel and Rubin remain in federal custody in isolated jail cells. Both men face prison sentences of up to 35 years if convicted of all charges. Their arraignment is scheduled for January 22.

Issa, 48, a first-term Republican who represents California's 48th District, is a former Army officer who is a Christian of Lebanese descent. He serves on a subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee.

The Jewish Defense League advocates the use of "all necessary means" -- even force and violence -- to defend the interest of Jews, as well as the return of all Jews to Israel, according to its Web site.