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Brooklyn Jury Convicts U.S. Citizen of Supporting ISIS
A federal jury in Brooklyn has convicted Bernard Raymond Augustine, a U.S. citizen and California resident, of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”).
The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr. Augustine faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.
Augustine, who traveled from San Francisco to Northern Africa in February 2016 with the goal of joining ISIS, was convicted of conducting internet searches for ways to join the terrorist group. He also posted statements in support of ISIS and violent extremism on the internet.
“The defendant’s unvarnished testimony at trial demonstrates his ongoing support for ISIS and its glorification of barbaric acts of terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis. “Today’s guilty verdict underscores the strong commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to combatting terrorism and protecting the United States from potentially dangerous threats to its national security.”
Prosecutors presented evidence that Augustine watched ISIS propaganda videos, including “The Flames of War,” and conducted internet searches for ways to safely join the terrorist group. He also reviewed websites related to ISIS recruitment practices.
Augustine testified at trial in his own defense, stating that he was proud of his decision to attempt to join ISIS and would do it again if given the chance.
“I have no regrets about it and I’m proud of it,” Augustine said, adding that he believes all Muslims must immigrate to the Islamic State upon its establishment. He also acknowledged that Islamic State fighters slaughtered members of the Yazidi ethnic group and enslaved Yazidi women.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from the FBI and NYPD.
Augustine represented himself at trial with the assistance of standby counsel and will be sentenced at a later date.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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