The tangled case of alleged Islamic State supporter Arafat Nagi has moved another step forward in the criminal justice process, with his indictment on two counts, including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The charges include buying military equipment, visiting the Middle East at least twice and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.
"We would not be bringing a charge unless we had our own conclusions that we came to that the charges were supported by evidence and sufficient evidence to convict. That's my ethical obligation and that of all assistant U.S. attorneys," said U.S. Attorney William Hochul.
"That being said, I'm very mindful that the final decision on whether or not a defendant is guilty or innocent or not guilty of any charge is up to the jury."
Hochul says Nagi faces up to 30 years in jail if convicted.
When the Lackawanna Six were investigated, arrested and convicted in 2002, Nagi was involved with them but never made a trip to an Al Quaeda training camp as they did, reportedly because he couldn't afford it. Nagi is also a resident of Lackawanna.
