Jamie Paulin Ramirez, Terrorist Conspiracy, Colorado 2011

A Colorado woman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists in a shocking case that highlights the evolving nature of the terrorist threat facing the US.

Jamie Paulin Ramirez, 32, a U.S. citizen and former resident of Colorado, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists in a superseding indictment filed in April 2010.

The guilty plea, which was entered today before U.S. District Court Judge Petrese B. Tucker in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was announced by Todd Hinnen, acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Zane David Memeger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and George C. Venizelos, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division.

Ramirez was first charged in a superseding indictment filed in April 2010, along with co-defendant Colleen R. LaRose, a U.S. citizen and former resident of Montgomery County, Pa. On Feb. 1, 2011, LaRose, aka “JihadJane, aka “Fatima LaRose,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, making false statements and attempted identity theft.

According to documents filed with the court, Ramirez, LaRose and others conspired to obtain military-style training in South Asia and then traveled to and around Europe to participate in and in support of violent jihad.

The investigation into Ramirez and LaRose’s activities led to the discovery of a series of electronic communications between the two women, in which they discussed their plans to join a terrorist training camp in South Asia and participate in violent jihad.

Ramirez faces a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations and the need for vigilance in identifying and prosecuting those who seek to support them.

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