The man accused of planning a mass shooting at a Jacksonville Islamic center this month appeared in a federal courtroom Tuesday morning where he pleaded not guilty.
Bernandino Bolatete, 69, who is accused of illegally buying a silencer and threatening a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida in Jacksonville, told the judge that he has no mental illness.
Man accused of illegally buying silencer now seated in federal courtroom, escorted in chains in orange jumpsuit. Bernandino Bolatete, 69, accused of threatening mass shooting at local Islamic Center
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) December 12, 2017
Bolatete is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted of knowingly possessing an unregistered silencer.
He said he did not want paperwork associated with the sale, according to officials.
MORE: Jacksonville officers: Man planned mass shooting at Islamic center | Brother of Jacksonville man accused of planning mass shooting: 'My brother is very gentle'
During the hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said there were 11 guns discovered in Bolatete's home, which was raided Dec. 1.
#BernandinoBolatete arraignment beginning, sworn in by federal judge. Tells judge he has no mental illness. Charged with 1 federal count of knowingly processing an unregistered silencer, possible sentence of up to ten years. Pleas NOT GUILT
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) December 12, 2017
Prosecutor says 11 guns discovered in #BernandinoBolatete case.
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) December 12, 2017
Officials began investigating Bolatete in late October after a confidential source said he was planning an attack on the Islamic center, Sheriff Mike Williams said.
An undercover officer got in contact with Bolatete and federal and state investigators were notified, Williams said.
A criminal complaint says Bolatete and the undercover officer went to shooting ranges together several times during the investigation.
During those meetings, Bolatete expressed hatred for Muslims and made threats to shoot up the mosque several times, officials say.
During one meeting, Bolatete told the officer that he used to be a "range master" at a shooting range in the Philippines, according to the criminal complaint.
He told the undercover officer that a police officer in the Philippines shot him during an argument over a parking spot. Bolatete said he shot and killed the officer, according to the report.
Bolatete told the officer he knew how to get up in the mosque's tower in Jacksonville and that he had five rifles, including an AR-15 that could be converted to an AR-47.
At one of the meetings, he told the officer he did not plan to survive the attack.
Cox Media Group