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Prosecutors say suspected terrorist Zazi might face more charges

From Miguel Susana, CNN
Najibullah Zazi arrives at the Byron G. Rogers Federal Building in Denver, Colorado, on September 17.
Najibullah Zazi arrives at the Byron G. Rogers Federal Building in Denver, Colorado, on September 17.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Authorities say Najibullah Zazi was plotting an attack in New York on September 11, 2009
  • Prosecutors are looking to file additional charges, but details of those have not been released
  • Zazi has already pleaded not guilty to a terrorism conspiracy charge
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New York (CNN) -- An Afghan native accused of conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction in the United States will probably face additional charges, U.S. prosecutors said Thursday.

During a status hearing for Najibullah Zazi in a Brooklyn, New York, federal courtroom, prosecutors told a judge they are seeking a superseding indictment and there will probably be additional charges.

Authorities say Zazi, 24, planned to be in New York and use an explosive device September 11, 2009. The alleged plot, which came to light after raids in New York in mid-September, may have been targeting a major transportation center, sources told CNN.

Zazi's attorney, Michael Dowling, said Thursday was the first time he's heard of possible additional charges.

He said he had no idea what the charge or charges could be.

"He's already facing life in prison," Dowling said.

Zazi, 24, was arrested in September. He has pleaded not guilty to one terrorism conspiracy charge.

Prosecutors also said Thursday that the trial probably won't begin until next fall.

A status conference to discuss confidential evidence that is being cleared was set for February 16.

Prosecutors have said that evidence was gathered under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a 1978 law passed to rein in the wiretapping abuses of the Watergate era.