See my #5, he is connected through the Benevolance International Foundation, based out of the Philippines, founded by Osama's brother in law. Padilla's bio states that he served 10 months in prison starting in 1991. That would put his release date somewhere in late 1992- early 1993. He became involved in the BIF, converted to Islam in 1994, and also quit Taco Bell at the time, but according to sources, "appeared to be quite well off".
Something else I just noticed in that article...
Padilla incurred violations like clockwork from the moment he emerged from prison until his license was suspended in 1997 (with the exception of a six-month quiet period around the time of the Oklahoma City bombing)
Hmmmm....