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N.Y. Imam Sentenced in Terror Sting
By MICHAEL HILL
Associated Press Writer
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The former imam of an Albany mosque was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison for his role in a money laundering scheme involving a fictional terror plot set up as an FBI sting.
Yassin Aref professed innocence before his sentencing and criticized the government's treatment of Muslims.
"I never had any intention to harm anyone in this country," the 36-year-old Kurdish refugee said. "And I don't know why I'm guilty."
Aref and pizzeria owner Mohammed Hossain were convicted in October for their roles in a money laundering scheme involving an FBI informant who pretended to be an illegal arms dealer.......
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