Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force Receives FBI Director’s Award

The Director of the FBI recognized 15 members of the Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force with an award for Outstanding Counterterrorism Investigation in Washington, D.C., on September 6, 2012. Robert S. Mueller, III presented the award to members of the team for their work investigating Daniel Patrick Boyd and seven other men who were plotting a terrorist attack on the U.S. and overseas. The case became known as the Triangle Terror Group.

Daniel Boyd was a convert to Islam and was actively recruiting people to join him in an attack. Boyd, Zakaryia Boyd, Dylan Boyd, Hysen Sherifi, Ziyad Yaghi, Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, Anes Subasic, and Jude Kenan Mohammad were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2009 after more than four years of a detailed and highly complex investigation by the FBI and its law enforcement partners. Seven of the men were convicted on federal terrorism charges and are currently serving prison sentences.

The award was presented to employees at the FBI, Raleigh Police Department, Durham Police Department, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, members of the prosecutorial team at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of North Carolina, and members of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The Director’s Award is considered the most prestigious within the FBI.

“The outstanding work by the Raleigh-Durham Joint Terrorism Task Force is a textbook example of how the FBI handles counterterrorism investigations since 9/11. The JTTF collected intelligence to develop a complete understanding of the threat and disrupted it, likely sparing innocent lives in the U.S. and abroad,” said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.

Award recipient and Supervisory Special Agent Maria Jocys said, “This investigation exemplified the importance of a joint task force. They not only enable law enforcement to share intelligence, but they bring together the skills, talent, and unique authorities from each agency into a single team to mitigate emerging terrorist threats.”

North Carolina Resident Anes Subasic Sentenced for Terrorism Violations

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.

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 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.

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 U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

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

North Carolina Resident Daniel Patrick Boyd Sentenced for Terrorism Violations

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.”

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, 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.

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 U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

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

MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR HIS ROLE IN CONSPIRACY TO ACQUIRE "STINGER" MISSILE AND OTHER MILITARY GRADE WEAPONS

PHOENIX – On August 22, 2012, David Diaz-Sosa, 27, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg to 25 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years supervised release. Diaz-Sosa entered a guilty plea on April 19, 2011, to all four counts of the superseding indictment, which are, conspiracy to acquire and export an anti-aircraft missile; conspiracy to possess unregistered firearms (machine guns) and transfer firearms for use in a drug trafficking crime; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In imposing the sentence, Judge Teilborg referred to the offenses as an "evil enterprise" that, "carried out to its ultimate conclusion," would put serious weapons in the hands of "bloodthirsty, ruthless, and savage gang members."

"With the confiscation of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and U.S. currency, this operation not only delivered a financial blow to a Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization, but it also prevented further cartel violence by keeping dangerous weapons out of their hands," said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. "I commend the ATF, the DEA, and the DCIS for their coordinated efforts in this case and pledge to continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those involved in the illicit business of trafficking drugs and weapons."

"The ATF remains steadfast on the front line of violent crime and committed to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal networks involved in the illegal trafficking and distribution of weapons and narcotics," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry. "Mexico based criminal organizations and drug cartels continue to look towards the United States and in particular the Southwest Border States as a source of supply for firearms and in this case military grade weapons of war such as; grenades, machine guns, and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). ATF is committed to keeping America safe along with our law enforcement partners to ensure that these dangerous weapons are kept out of the hands of those that would turn them against the United States. I wish to commend the leadership of U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo and his office in their prosecution of these criminals," stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry.

"This sentencing was a result of a highly successful joint investigative effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), ATF, DEA, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona," said Janice M. Flores, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DCIS, Southwest Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to protecting America from this type of activity, and this commitment combined with the courage and determination of the law enforcement agents involved prevented military-grade weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons, from falling into the hands of a Mexican drug cartel. I believe this speaks volumes and serves as a warning for those intent on committing this type of criminal activity that law enforcement will pursue these crimes relentlessly."

According to court documents, in late 2009, Diaz-Sosa, a weapons and narcotics broker, began negotiating the purchase of high-powered, military-grade weapons for the Sinaloa Drug Cartel, the oldest and largest of the Mexican Drug Cartels. Shortly after the weapons negotiations began, Diaz-Sosa arranged for the delivery of 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine to serve as a down payment for the weapons. A co-conspirator, Emilia Palomino-Robles, made that initial delivery on behalf of Diaz-Sosa. For approximately the next three months, Diaz-Sosa and his associates negotiated with undercover federal agents for the purchase of the following weapons:

•A Dragon Fire anti-tank weapon;

•Two AT-4s (an 84-mm unguided, portable, single-shot recoilless smoothbore weapon);

•A Law Rocket (a Light Anti-Tank Weapon);

•A Stinger Missile (a portable infrared homing anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile);

•Two Def Tech grenade launchers and a dozen 40 mm grenades;

•One M-60 machine gun;

•One .30 caliber machine gun; and

•Three cases of hand grenades.

As negotiations continued, Diaz-Sosa and his associates agreed to exchange both cash and methamphetamine as a final payment for the weapons. On February 17, 2010, Diaz-Sosa arrived at a pre-determined time and location to finalize the weapons exchange. After a brief conversation, and an exchange of over 11 pounds of methamphetamine, Diaz-Sosa and another associate were taken into custody by federal agents. Later that same evening, Palomino-Robles was arrested in possession of $139,900, which was determined to be an additional portion of the weapons payment.

On March 5, 2012, Palomino-Robles was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years supervised release, for her role in the methamphetamine and weapons conspiracy.

The investigation leading to the convictions in this case was conducted by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The prosecution was handled by Josh Patrick Parecki, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix, and Robert J. Sander, Trial Attorney, Counterterrorism Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice.

North Carolina Resident Found Guilty of Terrorism Violations

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 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 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.