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Man Charged with Supporting Islamic State Pleads Guilty
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
Update 5:44 p.m.
AKRON, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio man accused of trying to recruit people to join the Islamic State group has pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge.
Authorities say Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, formerly Robert McCollum, pledged his support online to the Islamic State group.
The 39-year-old Al-Ghazi, of Sheffield Lake, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
A message was left with Al-Ghazi’s attorney.
A criminal complaint says the recruits he targeted in 2014 and last year were FBI sources.
The government says Al-Ghazi also tried to buy an assault rifle in his desire to attack the United States.
AKRON, Ohio (AP) – A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for an Ohio man accused of trying to recruit people to join the Islamic State terror group.
Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, of Sheffield Lake, pleaded not guilty in July to one count of supporting terrorism, two weapons-related charges and 25 counts related to marijuana sales.
Akron federal judge Sara scheduled the hearing Wednesday afternoon.
A message was left with Al-Ghazi’s attorney. Change of plea hearings are typically scheduled when a defendant intends to enter a guilty plea.
Authorities say Al-Ghazi, formerly Robert McCollum, pledged his support online to the Islamic State group and tried to recruit others to join the cause.
A criminal complaint said his targeted recruits were FBI sources.