Islamic Center of Irvine
The Islamic Center of Irvine was founded by the local Muslim community in the city of Irvine, California on August 28, 2004. It is one of the largest Muslim congregations in California, with an estimated 5,000 worshipers attending weekly programs, and offers a variety of services from youth programs (including an annual summer camp for children) to senior workshops and interfaith sports activities. Its ideal location in the city of Irvine makes it one of the most expensive buildings in Orange County. The Islamic Center of Irvine is partnered with the Islamic Society of Orange County in nearby Garden Grove, the Orange County Islamic Foundation in Mission Viejo, and the Islamic Institute of Orange County in Anaheim. The center has also teamed up with various churches and recently signed a friendship pact and held an event with Saddleback Church, one of the largest churches in the country.
Alleged FBI spying
A convicted con man, Craig Monteilh of Tustin, accused the FBI of running him as a paid informant in the Center from July 2006 to October 2007, and then reneging on its deal with him. He was instructed to attend daily prayers at least three times a day and to attend the Friday Jumuah prayers. His actions made the members of the Muslim community very uncomfortable.[1][2] A restraining order was later taken out against him.[3][4]
References
- ↑ http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?tag=craig-monteilh
- ↑ http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/01/local/me-muslim1
- ↑ http://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/778.pdf
- ↑ Heller, Matthew (February 2012). "Mr. Inconspicuous". Orange Coast.