On November 15, 2001 American law enforcement officials determined that Benatta had no ties to terrorism. However, he remained in detention as in December 2001 he was charged with carrying false identification papers, though he was not informed of the charges until April 2002, nor offered access to the lawyer. He was offered a plea bargain that would have meant a six-month sentence, and a fairly quick release, but decided to fight the charges: "I'm not a criminal. Never," Benatta said.