DAYTON, OH – Laith Waleed Alebbini, 26, of Dayton, Ohio, is facing serious federal terrorism charges after a grand jury indictment revealed he allegedly attempted to join the ranks of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The feds say Alebbini wasn’t looking to send money or supplies; he was planning to provide personnel – himself – to the terrorist organization.
The indictment, handed down today, accuses Alebbini of one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. He was initially arrested on April 26th at the Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport, already facing the same charge via criminal complaint. He’s been cooling his heels in jail ever since, awaiting this formal indictment.
Federal authorities are tight-lipped about the specifics of how Alebbini allegedly planned to reach ISIS territory, but the investigation was a joint effort, drawing resources from a massive Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF includes officers and agents from the Cincinnati Police Department, Colerain Police Department, Dayton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, University of Cincinnati Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, FBI, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Oakwood Police Department, West Chester Police Department and Cincinnati State Police Department.
If convicted, Alebbini could face up to 20 years behind bars. That’s the maximum sentence prescribed by Congress for attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization. However, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana Boente and U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio were quick to point out that the final sentence will be determined by the court, taking into account sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
“An indictment merely contains allegations,” Glassman’s office stated in a press release, adding the standard disclaimer that Alebbini is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But the wheels of justice are turning, and the feds are clearly sending a message: attempting to join a terrorist group won’t be tolerated. The prosecution is being handled by First Assistant Vipal J. Patel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The case highlights the ongoing threat of radicalization within the U.S. and the extensive resources dedicated to countering it. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth about federal crime and national security threats.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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