Seven Charged with Terrorism Violations in North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC—Seven individuals have been charged with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division; George E.B. Holding, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina; and Owen D. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Division, announced today.

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a sealed seven-count indictment against the following defendants:

Daniel Patrick Boyd, 39, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina Hysen Sherifi, 24, a native of Kosovo and a U.S. legal permanent resident located in North Carolina Anes Subasic, 33, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina Zakariya Boyd, 20, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina Dylan Boyd, 22, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, 22, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina Ziyad Yaghi, 21, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina All the defendants are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, as well as conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad. In addition, Daniel Boyd, Hysen Sherifi and Zakariya Boyd are each charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Daniel Boyd and Dylan Boyd are also each charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon. Finally, Daniel Boyd is also charged with receiving a firearm through interstate commerce and two counts of making false statements in a terrorism investigation.

The defendants were arrested at various locations this morning by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. They made their initial appearances today in federal court in Raleigh, N.C. At that time, the indictment was unsealed.

“The indictment alleges that Daniel Boyd is a veteran of terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan who, over the past three years, has conspired with others in this country to recruit and help young men travel overseas in order to kill. Given the weapons allegedly involved in this conspiracy and the seriousness of the charges, the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who were able to bring about this case and safely remove these defendants from our streets deserve special thanks,” said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division.

“These charges hammer home the point that terrorists and their supporters are not confined to the remote regions of some far away land but can grow and fester right here at home. Terrorists and their supporters are relentless and constant in their efforts to hurt and kill innocent people across the globe. We must be equally relentless and constant in our efforts to stop them,” said U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding.

“The threat that extremists and radicals pose to America and our allies has not dulled or gone away. These arrests today show there are people living among us, in our communities in North Carolina and around the U.S., that are honing their skills to carry out acts of murder and mayhem. Their ultimate goal is to wage war on freedom and democracy. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing all we can to stop them from thriving and successfully attacking again,” said Owen D. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI. “We will remain vigilant, so must the public. If you see or hear something—act—call your local police department or the FBI. September 11th is not a vague memory for us, nor should it be for anyone.”

“The cooperation between federal, state and local authorities throughout this investigation has been outstanding. It is only with our ongoing law enforcement partnership through the Joint Terrorism Task Force in conjunction with North Carolina’s fusion center, ISAAC, that we are able to ensure public safety from these terrorist threats,” said North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robin P. Pendergraft.

According to the indictment, during the period from 1989 through 1992, Daniel Boyd traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan where he received military-style training in terrorist training camps for the purpose of engaging in violent jihad. Following this training, he allegedly fought in Afghanistan.

From roughly November 2006 through at least July 2009, the indictment alleges that Daniel Boyd and the other defendants conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists, including currency, training, transportation, and personnel. The defendants also conspired to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad during this period. The object of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to advance violent jihad, including supporting and participating in terrorist activities abroad and committing acts of murder, kidnapping, or maiming persons abroad.

The indictment alleges that, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants prepared themselves to engage in violent jihad and were willing to die as martyrs. They also allegedly offered training in weapons and financing, and helped arrange overseas travel and contacts so others could wage violent jihad overseas.

As part of the conspiracy, the indictment further alleges that the defendants raised money to support training efforts, disguised the destination of such monies from the donors, and obtained assault weapons to develop skills with the weapons. Some defendants also allegedly radicalized others to believe that violent jihad was a personal religious obligation.

Among other acts, the indictment alleges that Daniel Boyd traveled to Gaza in March 2006 and attempted to enter Palestine in order to introduce his son to individuals who also believed that violent jihad was a personal religious obligation. Later, in October 2006, defendant Ziyad Yaghi allegedly departed the United States for Jordan to engage in violent jihad.

In June 2007, Daniel Boyd and several other defendants departed the United States for Israel in an effort to engage in violent jihad, but ultimately returned to the United States after failing in their efforts. According to the indictment, after his return to the United States, Daniel Boyd made false statements twice to federal officials about who he had planned to meet on his trip to Israel.

In February 2008, Daniel Boyd allegedly solicited money to fund the travel of additional individuals overseas to engage in violent jihad and in March 2008, discussed with Anes Subasic preparations to send two individuals abroad for this purpose. He allegedly accepted $500 in cash from defendant Hysen Sherifi to be used to help fund jihad overseas and later showed Sherifi how to operate an AK-47 assault weapon.

In July 2008, Sharifi allegedly departed the United States for Kosovo to engage in violent jihad. According to the indictment, Sharifi later returned to North Carolina in April 2009, for the purpose of soliciting funds and personnel to support the mujihadeen.

The indictment also alleges that Daniel Boyd obtained a variety of weapons in furtherance of the conspiracy to murder persons overseas and provide material support to terrorists. These included a Bushmaster M4A3 rifle that Boyd allegedly received illegally via interstate commerce in 2006, as well as an ETA M16 V System C-MAG that he purchased in 2006. In 2007, he allegedly purchased a Ruger mini 14 long gun.

During 2008, the indictment alleges that Boyd purchased a Mossburg 100 ATR .270 rifle, a Llama Camanche III .357 revolver, a Century Arms AK Sporter 7.62 X 39 rifle and a Ruger mini 30 7.62 X 39 rifle. During 2009, Boyd allegedly purchased a Ishmash SAGA .308 rifle, a Century Arms Polish Tantal 5.45 X 39 rifle, a Century Arms C91 rifle .308, a Century Arms M70B1 7.62 X 34 rifle, a Ruger mini 14 5.56 rifle, and a Smith & Wesson MP15 .223 rifle.

The indictment further alleges that in February 2009, Daniel Boyd and his son, Dylan Boyd, knowingly sold a Beretta 9 mm handgun and ammunition to a convicted felon. In addition, the indictment alleges that in June 2009, Daniel Boyd and his son, Zakariya Boyd, used firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically conspiracy to murder.

Finally, the indictment alleges that Daniel Boyd and several of the defendants practiced military tactics and the use of weapons on private property in Caswell County, N.C., in June and July 2009.

Each of the defendants faces potential life imprisonment if convicted of conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad. In addition, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists carries a maximum 15-year sentence. The charges of receiving a firearm through interstate commerce and selling a firearm to a convicted felon each carry a maximum 10-year sentence. Making false statements in a terrorism investigation carries a maximum eight-year sentence, while possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a consecutive five-year sentence.

This investigation is being conducted by the Raleigh Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Charlotte Division of the FBI and NCISAAC, the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara D. Kocher and Jason Cowley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Jason Kellhofer, of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/Sentry/StoryView.aspx?SID=3324

Story Submitted: Sep 25, 2009
Quantico leadership, NCIS, FBI in close coordination throughout terror suspects’ activities

By: MCB Quantico Public Affairs Office

* The appearance of hyperlinks to other sites does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Marine Corps of that site or the information, products or services contained therein.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Sept. 25) — Daniel Patrick Boyd and Hysen Sherifi, terror suspects recently arrested by the FBI in North Carolina, have been indicted on charges of conspiring to murder United States military personnel.

The indictment alleges that Boyd undertook a reconnaissance of the Marine Corps Base Quantico and obtained maps of the base in order to plan an attack on Quantico.

“We have been in close coordination with NCIS and FBI agents and other officials throughout the Boyd investigation. We have ensured that the safety and protection of our Marines, their families and civilians who call Quantico home, received our first and absolute attention. That attention in all matters continues to be our main focus,” Col. Dan Choike, Quantico base commander, said.

“NCIS investigative efforts in support of the FBI’s investigation centered on protecting Marine Corps personnel assigned to MCB Quantico during Mr. Boyd’s alleged activities. These efforts were closely coordinated and supported by MCB Quantico Command to ensure the safety of military and civilian personnel aboard the base. This case represents the close coordination between NCIS and FBI in addressing terrorism issues that may impact the operational readiness of the U.S. military,” stated a U.S. Attorney Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, release.

In this case, MCB Quantico personnel worked closely with the NCIS and FBI to assist in the investigation and protect MCB Quantico personnel. Moreover, this case represents the effective integration and coordination between NCIS and the FBI in addressing terrorism issues that may impact the operational readiness of the U.S. military.

U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding commenting on the Boyd case said: “These additional charges hammer home the grim reality that today’s homegrown terrorists are not limiting their violent plans to locations overseas, but instead are willing to set their sights on American citizens and American targets, right here at home.”

June 17, 2010

NOTE The following text is a quote:

http://charlotte.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/ch061710.htm

Kosovar National Charged with Terrorism Violations

RALEIGH, NC—Bajram Asllani, 29, a resident of Mitrovica, Kosovo, has been charged in a criminal complaint with providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; George E.B. Holding, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Owen D. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Division; and Robin Pendergraft, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, announced today.

Asllani, also known as “Bajram Aslani,” or “Ebu Hatab,” was arrested earlier today by authorities in Kosovo in connection with a U.S. provisional arrest warrant issued in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The United States intends to seek his extradition from Kosovo to stand trial in Raleigh. In accordance with the extradition agreement between the United States and Kosovo, Asllani faces a potential maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted.

Last July, eight defendants were indicted in the Eastern District of North of Carolina on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists; conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad; and other violations. Those charged were Daniel Patrick Boyd, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina; Hysen Sherifi, a native of Kosovo and a U.S. legal permanent resident in North Carolina; Anes Subasic, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina; Zakariya Boyd, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina; Dylan Boyd, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina; Jude Kenan Mohammad, a U.S. citizen; Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina; and Ziyad Yaghi, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina.

A superseding indictment returned on Sept. 24, 2009, added new charges against Daniel Patrick Boyd, Hysen Sherifi and Zakariya Boyd, alleging, among other things, that Daniel Boyd and Sherifi conspired to murder U.S. military personnel as part of a plot to attack troops at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. These three defendants were also charged with possession of weapons in furtherance of a crime of violence and Daniel Boyd was further charged with providing a firearm to a convicted felon.

An April 19, 2010, criminal complaint unsealed today alleges that Asllani was a member of the conspiracy involving the defendants listed above. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Asllani has had repeated communications with the conspirators; solicited money from the conspirators to establish a base of operations in Kosovo for the purpose of waging violent jihad; tasked the conspirators with completing work to further these objectives and accepted funds from the conspirators to help him travel.

Among other things, the complaint alleges that Hysen Sherifi departed from Raleigh for Pristina, Kosovo, on July 30, 2008, to pursue violent jihad. While in Kosovo, Sherifi allegedly formed a relationship with Asllani. Sherifi often referred to Asllani as “the brother” in Kosovo who was advising him and who was “wanted.” According to the complaint, Asllani had been arrested by Kosovar law enforcement in 2007 and been placed on house arrest for a period of time. He was later convicted in absentia by a Serbian court in September 2009 for planning terrorist-related offenses and was sentenced to eight years of confinement.

According to the complaint, Asllani provided Sherifi with videos related to violent jihad for the purposes of translating them so they could be used to recruit others for violent jihad or to motivate those currently involved in violent jihad. Sherifi, did in fact, translate videos provided him by Asllani, the complaint alleges.

The complaint further alleges that Asllani directed Sherifi to collect money for the purpose of later purchasing land and establishing a community in Kosovo, where they could store weapons and ammunition and which they could use as a base of operations for conducting violent jihad in Kosovo and other countries. Sherifi did, in fact, return to the United States on April 5, 2009, and collected money for this purpose, receiving a check for $15,000 in July 2009. Sherifi was arrested on July 27, 2009, before he could take the money back to Asllani in Kosovo.

In addition, the complaint alleges Asllani received money from Sherifi that was sent with the intention of being used by Asllani to obtain travel documents. And finally, the complaint alleges that Daniel Boyd stated his desire to assist Sherifi in his plan to raise money for the mujihadeen in Kosovo. Specifically, Boyd stated he wanted to send his sons, Zakariya Boyd and Dylan Boyd, and himself to Kosovo after Sherifi returned. Zakariya and Dylan Boyd spent time online with Sherifi chatting with Asllani in Kosovo.

“The facts as alleged in this complaint underscore the connectivity between extremists at home and abroad and the global nature of the terrorist threat we face. At the same time, the arrest of Asllani demonstrates how effective cooperation among international partners serves to address such threats. I applaud the many agents, analysts and prosecutors who helped bring about this important case,” said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

George E.B. Holding, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, reports, “Through Asllani’s arrest, the arm of justice is proven strong enough to reach those who would do us harm. We shall continue in our relentless effort against those aspiring to commit terrorist acts on U.S. citizens, whether here or abroad.”

“People who are plotting to harm America and Americans are no longer a world away from us. This case began in Raleigh, N.C., and now stretches across the globe, a circumstance no one would have thought possible less than 10 years ago,” said Owen D. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are meeting this new and grim reality head on, because if we don’t—the possible impact will reverberate in every corner of our society. Our mission is to keep that from happening.”

“This case highlights the very real affiliation between foreign terrorists and North Carolina. Only through the sharing of resources and information can federal, state and local law enforcement, in conjunction with alert citizens, effectively face this increased threat from violent groups. North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s assistance to the FBI in this matter firmly establishes the effectiveness of this cooperative strategy,” said Robin Pendergraft, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

This investigation is being conducted by the Raleigh Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Charlotte Division of the FBI and the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Substantial assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the State Department, and the government of Kosovo.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Bowler, Barbara Kocher and Jason Cowley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Jason Kellhofer of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains mere allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2553865/posts

NOTE: Photo included.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/alert/asllani_b.htm

CONSPIRACY TO PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT OR RESOURCES TO TERRORISTS (1 COUNT); CONSPIRACY TO KILL, KIDNAP, MAIM, OR INJURE PERSONS OR DAMAGE PROPERTY IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY (1 COUNT)
BAJRAM ASLLANI

Photograph taken in 2010
Aliases: Ebu Hatab, Bajram Aslani, Bajram Asslani Var Aslani, Bajram Asslani, Aslani Bajram, Bajram Aslami, Bajram Aslanni, Bajram Hajriz Asllani, Bayram Aslani

DESCRIPTION

Dates of Birth Used: August 12, 1980;
August 12, 1989;
November 11, 1970;
December 8, 1980 Hair: Dark Brown
Place of Birth: Mitrovica, Kosovo Eyes: Brown
Height: 5’7” Sex: Male
Weight: Unknown (heavy-set build) Complexion: Medium
NCIC: T920777787 Nationality: Albanian
Occupation: Unknown
Scars and Marks: None known
Remarks: None

CAUTION

Bajram Asllani is an alleged co-conspirator with a group of 8 individuals in the United States who were allegedly co-conspiring to engage in violent jihad, or holy war, and to raise money for mujihadeen, or warriors engaged in violent jihad. Seven of the 8 individuals involved in the conspiracy with Asllani were arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina, in July of 2009.

On April 19, 2010, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Bajram Asllani in the United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina. Asllani was charged with conspiracy to provide material support or resources to terrorists (1 count); conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure persons or damage property in a foreign country (1 count).

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS
IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FBI OFFICE OR THE NEAREST AMERICAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

ROBERT S. MUELLER, III
DIRECTOR
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20535
TELEPHONE: (202) 324-3000

February 9, 2011

NOTE The following text is a quote:

charlotte.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/ce020911.htm

Raleigh-Area Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges

RALEIGH—Daniel Patrick Boyd, a/k/a “Saifullah,” 40, pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Bern, North Carolina, to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country.

The guilty plea by Boyd, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina, was announced by David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division and George E.B. Holding, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Boyd was first charged along with seven other defendants in a federal indictment returned on July 22, 2009. He was arrested on July 29, 2009, and the indictment was unsealed. On September 24, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment that added additional charges against Boyd and two of the other defendants.

According to the superseding indictment, during the period from 1989 through 1992, he traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan where he received military-style training in terrorist training camps for the purpose of engaging in violent jihad. Following this training, according to the Indictment, he fought in Afghanistan.

Also stated in the indictment is that from roughly November 2006 through at least July 2009, he conspired with the other defendants to provide material support and resources to terrorists, including currency, training, transportation and personnel. The defendants also conspired to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad during this period. The object of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to advance violent jihad, including supporting and participating in terrorist activities abroad and committing acts of murder, kidnapping, or maiming persons abroad.

The indictment further alleges that, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants prepared themselves to engage in violent jihad and were willing to die as martyrs. They also allegedly offered training in weapons and financing and helped arrange overseas travel and contacts so others could wage violent jihad overseas.

In addition, the defendants raised money to support training efforts, disguised the destination of such monies from the donors, and obtained assault weapons to develop skills with the weapons. Some defendants also allegedly radicalized others to believe that violent jihad was a personal religious obligation.

“Today, Daniel Patrick Boyd admitted his role in a multi-year conspiracy to advance violent jihad by recruiting and helping young men travel overseas to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons. I applaud the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who helped bring about today’s successful outcome,” said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding commented: “This case proves how our world is changing. Terrorists are no longer only from foreign countries but also citizens who live within our own borders. We must protect our homeland. I am committed to using any and all legal means to take on the challenge of finding and prosecuting others with similar radical views who plot violent attacks.”

“North Carolina and the United States are safer now that Daniel Boyd is no longer in a position to plot against us. His admission of guilt today proves to the world he intended to carry out violent jihad, which our evidence against him has shown. This should send a signal to any who may share Boyd’s extremist ideology—the FBI and our law enforcement partners won’t back down in our fight to stop the next attack,” said Joseph S. Campbell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service was proud to partner with the Raleigh FBI JTTF in this investigation,” commented Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, DCIS. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect America’s warfighters whether overseas or at home in America. By thwarting the terror plans of this group, we averted the unnecessary loss of lives of U.S. military members and others.”

At sentencing, set for May, 2011, Boyd faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment followed by up to three years’ supervised release for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and up to a life term of imprisonment followed by up to five years of supervised release for conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, the Raleigh Police Department, and the Durham Police Department, and NCISAAC—the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Bowler and Barbara D. Kocher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Jason Kellhofer, of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

fbi.gov/charlotte/press-releases/2011/north-carolina-man-pleads-guilty-to-terrorism-charge-1

North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charge

U.S. Department of Justice
September 14, 2011

RALEIGH, NC—Dylan Boyd, aka “Mohammed,” pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Bern, N.C., to one count of aiding and abetting a conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, announced Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Thomas G. Walker, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina; M. Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division; and John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Boyd, 24, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina, was first charged along with seven other defendants in a federal indictment returned on July 22, 2009. He was arrested on July 29, 2009, and the indictment was unsealed. On Sept. 24, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment in the case.

According to the superseding indictment, from before November 2006 through at least July 2009, Boyd aided and abetted other named defendants and others who conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists, including currency, training, transportation, and personnel. The object of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to advance violent jihad, including supporting and participating in terrorist activities abroad and committing acts of murder, kidnapping, or maiming persons abroad.

The indictment alleges that, as part of the conspiracy, Boyd assisted other defendants as they prepared themselves to engage in violent jihad and were willing to die as martyrs. They also allegedly offered training in weapons and financing and helped arrange overseas travel and contacts so others could wage violent jihad overseas. In addition, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants raised money to support training efforts, disguised the destination of such monies from the donors and obtained assault weapons to develop skills with the weapons. Some defendants also allegedly radicalized others to believe that violent jihad was a personal religious obligation.

At sentencing, Boyd faces a potential 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting a conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

Boyd’s father and co-defendant, Daniel Patrick Boyd, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9, 2011, to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to murder kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country. Boyd’s brother and co-defendant, Zakariya Boyd, pleaded guilty on June 7, 2011, to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. Trial for the remaining co-defendants in custody is scheduled for September 2011.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the FBI, the DCIS, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham Police Department, and the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Bowler and Barbara D. Kocher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Jason Kellhofer of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

http://www.investigativeproject.org/3195/recordings-show-carolina-man-plotting-quantico

For The Record - The IPT Blog
by IPT News • Sep 22, 2011 at 1:54 pm

“Recordings Show Carolina Man Plotting Quantico Attack”

SNIPPET: “A North Carolina man discussed his plan to attack the U.S. Marine Corps base at Quantico, Va. with an FBI informant, audio tapes played in court Wednesday revealed.

FBI informant Abdullah Eddarkoui told a New Bern, N.C. jury that Daniel Patrick Boyd spoke every day about “jihad and fighting.”

“I did some preliminary reconnaissance [at Quantico], and what I saw was amazing,” Boyd said in one recording. “I saw the residences of all their commanding officers.”

Boyd, the ringleader of a North Carolina-based terrorist cell, pleaded guilty Feb. 9 to conspiring to murder, kidnap and maim individuals in a foreign country and to a charge of material support to terrorists.

Boyd, along with six others, was arrested in 2009 and charged with conspiring to wage jihad abroad. A superseding indictment charged Boyd, his son Zakariya and Hysen Sherifi with plotting to kill U.S. military personnel at Quantico.

Prosecutors introduced the tapes of Boyd’s conversations because they speak to the remaining defendants’ intentions. In one recording, Boyd said that Sherifi was in on the plan to attack Quantico.

FBI agent Paul Minella also testified Wednesday, linking Sherifi and the two other defendants, Ziyad Yaghi and Omar Hassan, to Boyd. Minella said that Sherifi performed weapons training with Boyd and his two sons. Hassan and Yaghi planned to meet up with Boyd in Israel in 2007.”

http://www.wral.com/topics/daniel-patrick-boyd.htm

NOTE Photo included.

http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/10637165/

Posted: 11:54 a.m. today
Updated: 3:32 p.m. today

“Feds: Triangle terrorist tried to have witnesses killed”

SNIPPET: “RALEIGH, N.C. — One of the men involved in a Johnston County terrorist cell that authorities said plotted attacks on a Marine base in Virginia and foreign targets tried to have witnesses in his trial last fall killed, according to federal records unsealed Monday.

Hysen Sherifi was found guilty after a month-long trial of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism and conspiring to carry out attacks overseas, two counts of firearms possession and conspiring to kill federal officers or employees. He was sentenced two weeks ago to 45 years in prison.

Federal authorities said Sherifi tried to hire someone to kill and behead at least three witnesses in the case, and he wanted pictures of the corpses to prove that they were dead. He also wanted a fellow inmate killed, believing the man tricked him out of some money, according to court documents.

Undercover agents say $5,000 traded hands on Jan. 8 to kill the first person, according to court documents.

Sherifi’s brother, Shkumbin Sherifi, and a woman named Nevine Aly Elsheikh have been charged in the case.”

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/charlotte/press-releases/2012/north-carolina-resident-found-guilty-of-terrorism-violations

North Carolina Resident Found Guilty of Terrorism Violations

U.S. Department of Justice
June 14, 2012

RALEIGH—Today, in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, a jury found Anes Subasic, 35, guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, announced Thomas G. Walker, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; M. Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Charlotte Division; and John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Subasic was charged along with seven other defendants in a federal indictment returned on July 22, 2009. In a separate trial in September 2011, Subasic was found guilty of two counts of unlawful procurement of citizenship.

“We must be ever vigilant in our prosecution of those who seek to visit terror on our way of life,” stated U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker. “This prosecution demonstrates that commitment.”

“Anes Subasic is the seventh individual to be convicted in connection with this multi-year conspiracy to kill persons abroad and provide material support to terrorism. I applaud the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who helped bring about this successful outcome,” said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

“Subasic was part of a group of terrorists; some viewed their own country as the enemy. This verdict is the culmination of years of hard work by our Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of our vital law enforcement partners. The JTTF will continue its relentless effort to thwart terrorism in North Carolina,” said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is proud to have worked jointly with the Raleigh FBI JTTF in the investigation of Anes Subasic and others indicted of terrorism related charges,” stated DCIS Southeast Field Office Special Agent in Charge John Khin. “Subasic was part of a conspiracy to commit violent acts against U.S. service members and others abroad. The DCIS remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the warfighter and to thwart efforts of individuals like Subasic.”

According to the superseding indictment, from roughly November 2006 through at least July 2009, Subasic and the other defendants conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists, including currency, training, transportation, and personnel. Subasic also conspired to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad during this period. The object of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to advance violent jihad, including supporting and participating in terrorist activities abroad and committing acts of murder, kidnapping, or maiming persons abroad.

The defendants allegedly offered training in weapons and financing and helped arrange overseas travel and contacts so others could wage violent jihad overseas.

The defendants raised money to support training efforts, disguised the destination of such monies from the donors, and obtained assault weapons to develop skills with the weapons. Some defendants also allegedly radicalized others to believe that violent jihad was a personal religious obligation.

In February 2011, Daniel Boyd, the leader, pled guilty to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country and is currently awaiting sentencing. Boyd’s two sons, Zakariya and Dylan Boyd, have also pled guilty. Zakariya Boyd pled guilty on June 27, 2011 to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, and was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment. Dylan Boyd pled guilty on September 14, 2011 to aiding and abetting a conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and received a 96-month prison sentence.

On October 13, 2011, following a 17-day trial, a jury found Hysen Sherifi, Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, and Ziyad Yaghi guilty. Sherifi was found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists; conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country; two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and conspiring to kill a federal officer or employee and was sentenced to 540 months’ imprisonment. Hassan and Yaghi were found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country. Hassan received a 180-monthprison term and Yaghi received 380 months’ imprisonment.

At sentencing, Subasic faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment followed by up to three years’ supervised release for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and up to a life term of imprisonment followed by up to five years of supervised release for conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bowler of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Jason Kellhofer of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/charlotte/press-releases/2012/north-carolina-resident-daniel-patrick-boyd-sentenced-for-terrorism-violations

North Carolina Resident Daniel Patrick Boyd Sentenced for Terrorism Violations

U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 24, 2012

NEW BERN, NC—United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Daniel Patrick Boyd, 42, a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina to 216 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years’ supervised release, and a $3,000 fine. “We must be ever vigilant in the pursuit of those who seek to destroy our way of life. This prosecution is evidence of our commitment to do so,” stated U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker.

Boyd pleaded guilty on February 9, 2011, to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339A; and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, Title 18, United States Code, Section 956(a). ”Daniel Boyd recruited his own sons and others into conspiracies to murder persons abroad and provide material support to terrorism. Today, he is being held accountable for his actions. I thank all those responsible for this successful outcome,” said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

“People who are plotting to harm Americans are no longer a world away from us. Daniel Boyd led a group of extremists who chose to target innocent citizens in the U.S. and abroad. The Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force thwarted his plot and will keep pursuing those who threaten our society,” said Chris Briese, Special Agent In Charge of FBI Charlotte.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service was proud to partner with the Raleigh FBI JTTF to help bring Daniel Boyd and the Triangle terror group to justice,” commented DCIS Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office. “Due to our ongoing commitment to protecting America’s warfighters both overseas and at home in America, these violent extremists can no longer harm military service members and their families. Today’s sentencing of these criminals is the result of many years of dedication, persistence, and collaboration by all the partners of the FBI JTTF.”

According to the superseding indictment, during the period from 1989 through 1992, Boyd traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan where he received military-style training in terrorist training camps for the purpose of engaging in violent jihad. Following this training, according to the indictment, he fought in Afghanistan.

Also stated in the indictment is that from roughly November 2006 through at least July 2009, Boyd conspired with the other defendants to provide material support and resources to terrorists, including currency, training, transportation, and personnel. The defendants also conspired to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad during this period. The object of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to advance violent jihad, including supporting and participating in terrorist activities abroad and committing acts of murder, kidnapping, or maiming persons abroad.

Ultimately, Boyd cooperated with the government, as noted by federal prosecutors during the sentencing hearing today. After pleading guilty to two counts of the superseding indictment in 2011, Boyd testified at trial against several of his co-conspirators who were convicted in October 2011.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/charlotte/press-releases/2012/north-carolina-resident-anes-subasic-sentenced-for-terrorism-violations

North Carolina Resident Anes Subasic Sentenced for Terrorism Violations

U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 24, 2012

NEW BERN, NC—United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Anes Subasic, 36, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina, to 360 months in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, and a $1,000 fine. “We must be ever vigilant in the pursuit of those who seek to destroy our way of life. This prosecution is evidence of our commitment to do so,” stated U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker.

Subasic was tried separately on two occasions for immigration and terrorism offenses. In September 2011, Subasic was found guilty of two counts of unlawful procurement of citizenship. On June 14, 2012, Subasic was found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339A; and conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, Title 18, United States Code, Section 956(a).

”Anes Subasic played a critical role in this multi-year conspiracy to murder persons abroad and provide material support to terrorism. Today, he is being held accountable for his actions. I thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who helped bring about this successful outcome,” said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

“We must remain vigilant against extremists here and abroad who seek to do us harm. Today’s sentence is the result of years of hard work by our Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force. The JTTF will continue to detect and disrupt acts of terrorism in our communities,” said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Charlotte.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to protecting our warfighters both abroad and in our communities at home by working with the Raleigh FBI JTTF to bring these violent extremists to justice,” commented John F. Khin, DCIS Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Field Office. “Many years of dedication, persistence, and collaboration by all the partners of the FBI JTTF culminated in today’s sentencing of these criminals.”

Subasic falsely represented that he had never been charged with any criminal conduct on his immigration paperwork, and the evidence showed that, in fact, Subasic had been charged in Serbia with committing crimes on at least 10 occasions including several violent crimes. Subasic was part of a conspiracy involving numerous defendants that offered training in weapons and financing and helped arrange overseas travel and contacts so others could wage violent jihad overseas.

In February 2011, Daniel Boyd, the leader of the conspiracy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country. He is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. today. Boyd’s two sons, Zakariya and Dylan Boyd, have also pleaded guilty. Zakariya Boyd pleaded guilty on June 27, 2011, to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and was sentenced to 108 months in prison. Dylan Boyd pled guilty on September 14, 2011, to aiding and abetting a conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and received a 96-month prison sentence.

On October 13, 2011, following a 17-day trial, a jury found Hysen Sherifi, Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, and Ziyad Yaghi guilty. Sherifi was found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists; conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country; two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and conspiring to kill a federal officer or employee and was sentenced to 540 months in prisont. Hassan and Yaghi were found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure persons in a foreign country. Hassan received a 180-month prison term, and Yaghi received 380 months in prison.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.

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