U.S. VETERAN CONVICTED OF TRYING TO JOIN ISIL

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Jury Finds Air Force Veteran Guilty in First Conviction After Trial in the United States for Attempting to Travel Overseas to Join ISIL

Former U.S. Air Force Airplane Mechanic Convicted of Attempting to Provide Material Support to Terrorists and Obstruction of an Official Proceeding

A jury in the Eastern District of New York today found Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh, 48, of Neptune, New Jersey, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, guilty of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and obstructing an official proceeding.

The verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge Diego Rodriguez of the FBI’s New York Field Office and Commissioner William J. Bratton of the New York City Police Department.                

“Pugh, an American citizen and former member of the U.S. Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic, attempted to travel to Syria to provide material support to ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “This is the first conviction after a trial by jury in the United States involving an individual who attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIL, and further demonstrates our commitment to bring to justice all those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.  I would like to thank all the members of law enforcement whose tireless efforts made this result possible.”

“Today’s verdict provides yet another example of a successful outcome in our national security effort, and demonstrates the crucial role that law enforcement action plays in that effort,” said U.S. Attorney Capers.  “The evidence presented at trial and the jury’s verdict instill confidence that our law enforcement agencies and their many important partners at home and abroad work effectively to disrupt and defeat the deadly siren’s call of terrorist groups around the globe.  Pugh has now been held accountable for his crimes by a jury and will not reach the terrorist group he sought to support.”      

“As presented in trial, Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh was willing to become a martyr, using his U.S. military training as a weapon for ISIL,” said Assistant Director in Charge Rodriguez.  “Instead, found guilty of his crimes, he is facing a lengthy incarceration.  We are pleased the jury found his actions confirmed his expressed desire to cause violence and destruction on behalf of this terrorist organization.  The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces continue to work globally with our partners to successfully stop such actions before they happen, keep communities safe and bring criminals to justice.”

“We applaud today’s verdict, finding the first ISIL defendant guilty after attempting to travel to Syria and wage jihad," said Commissioner Bratton.  "Those who adhere to ISIL’s deadly terrorist agenda should be on notice: reject this ideology or face swift justice in American courts. It is fitting that the first ISIL conviction case is here in the Eastern District of New York, which has prosecuted more terrorism cases than any other district in the country. It is to them — and the many others on the Joint Terrorism Task Force — that New Yorkers owe their gratitude for the relentless efforts to keep our city safe.”

At trial, the government presented evidence that prior to traveling overseas to try to join ISIL, Pugh served in the Air Force as an avionics instrument system specialist and received training in the installation and maintenance of aircraft engines, navigation and weapons systems.  After leaving the Air Force, the defendant worked for a number of companies in the United States and Middle East as an airplane mechanic.  Pugh lived abroad for over a year before his arrest in this case.                  

On Jan. 10, 2015, the defendant traveled from Egypt to Turkey in an effort to cross the border into Syria to join ISIL to engage in violent “jihad.”  However, Turkish authorities denied the defendant entry and returned him to Egypt.  At the time of his detention, Pugh was carrying a laptop computer and four USB thumb drives that he had stripped of their plastic casings in an effort to destroy their contents and thereby make them unavailable to investigators.  The defendant also was carrying solar power chargers, compasses and a black ski mask.  Foreign government officials deported the defendant to the United States, where the FBI closely monitored him, relying in part on a covert undercover employee who encountered the defendant at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.  The defendant was arrested on Jan. 16, 2015, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and thereafter indicted in the Eastern District of New York.

At trial, the government presented evidence obtained from the defendant’s laptop computer and social media posts.  The defendant’s laptop contained Internet searches for “borders controlled by Islamic state.”  The government also introduced evidence of the defendant’s Internet searches for “Flames of War” (an ISIL propaganda video) as well as terrorist videos he had downloaded, including one horrific video showing ISIL members executing prisoners.  In addition, statements to coworkers and social media posts established Pugh’s empathy and support for ISIL’s cause and terrorist methods.

At trial, the government also introduced a letter drafted by Pugh on Jan. 5, 2015, shortly before he left Egypt for Turkey on his way to Syria.  In that letter, the defendant proclaimed, “I am a Mujahid.  I am a sword against the oppressor and a shield for the oppressed.  I will use the talents and skills given to me by Allah to establish and defend the Islamic State.  There is only 2 possible outcomes for me.  Victory or Martyr.”

Based on his trial convictions, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison.  Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but is expected to occur later this year.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin joined U.S. Attorney Capers in extending his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), as well as to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of New Jersey, the Asbury Park Police Department and the Neptune Police Department.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel P. Nitze, Tiana A. Demas and Mark Bini of the Eastern District of New York, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Larry Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

MAN CHARGED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO HELP ISIL

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Rochester Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL

Emanuel L. Lutchman, 25, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.  The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. of the Western District of New York and Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen of the Federal Investigation Bureau’s (FBI) Buffalo Division.

“According to the complaint, as part of Emanuel Lutchman’s attempt to provide material support to ISIL, he planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization.” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman's deadly plans.”

“This New Year’s Eve prosecution underscores the threat of ISIL even in upstate New York but demonstrates our determination to immediately stop any who would cause harm in its name,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.  “What began as an ISIL directive to harm the community ended with the arrest of this defendant and a message for any other individuals considering similar behavior - you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished.  While law enforcement is well equipped for such investigations, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  I assure members of the public that the excellent work of our law enforcement partners with the cooperation of the public is the best way to ensure the safety of our community.”

“The FBI thwarted Emanuel Lutchman’s intent to kill civilians on New Year's Eve,” said Special Agent in Charge Cohen.  “The FBI remains concerned about people overseas who use the Internet to inspire people in the United States to commit acts of violence where they live.”

According to court records, the defendant, claiming to receive direction from an overseas ISIL member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester, New York, area today, New Year’s Eve on behalf of ISIL and in furtherance of his plan to join ISIL overseas.  

The defendant made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson of the U.S. Western District of New York.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Rochester Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey with the assistance of Trial Attorney Lawrence Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

MAN WHO TRIED TO TRAVEL TO SYRIA TO JOIN ISIL, PLEADS GUILTY

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL

Nicholas Michael Teausant, 22, of Acampo, California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner of the Eastern District of California.

According to court documents, on March 17, 2014, Teausant was arrested en route to Canada, near the border, with the intent of continuing to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a foreign terrorist organization.  On March 26, 2014, Teausant was indicted on one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a terrorist organization.  He pleaded guilty to the single count in the indictment without a plea agreement.

“Nicholas Michael Teausant attempted to travel overseas to join ISIL and to provide material support to the terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we are committed to stemming the flow of foreign fighters abroad and holding accountable those who attempt to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”

“This case, like others in communities across the United States and around the world, is an example of how a young person from any place and any background might make the terrible decision to try and become part of a terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Wagner.  “Fortunately, the FBI intervened in this case before any harm could be inflicted upon innocent persons. We hope that this case will be a reminder to us all to stay vigilant and involved in the lives of our youth, and in particular with respect to the dangerous influences they may be subject to on the Internet where these organizations are very active.”

Teausant is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez of the Eastern District of California on March 8, 2016.  Teausant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI, the Modesto, California, Police Department and the San Joaquin, California, Sheriff’s Office, who are members of the Modesto/Stockton Joint Terrorism Task Force, with significant assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jean M. Hobler and Jason Hitt of the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.