Bakersfield Man Pleads Not Guilty To Espionage Charges

Bakersfield -- A Bakersfield man arrested Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to possess and export military equipment and defense secrets to Yemen pleaded not guilty to four separate counts.

56-year-old Amen Ahmed Ali could face a maximum of 30 years in prison and $1.75 million in fines if convicted on all four counts.

Ali appeared before a federal magistrate Friday afternoon in Bakersfield, while outside the courthouse, there was a high level of security as both 18th Street and L Street were blocked off by sheriff's deputies and police officers.

After the arraignment, Ali was escorted by U.S. Marshals into a van as a convoy of vehicles took him into custody.

Inside the courtroom, Ali needed the assistance of an interpreter as Judge Theresa Goldner explained the charges he faces.

When Goldner asked him if he understood the charges, he responded through the interpreter, "If the court finds me guilty, I understand."

The next court proceedings take place in Fresno, where the U.S. District Court is located. Ali faces a detention hearing next Wednesday, when the court will determine if Ali should remain under federal custody. A status conference will then take place on September 18.