Ludke Charged with ISIS Support

Jason Michael Ludke, 35, of Milwaukee, has been charged in a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B(a)(1). Yosvany Padilla-Conde, 30, also of Milwaukee, was charged in the same complaint with aiding and abetting Ludke’s attempt to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2339B(a)(1) and 2.

If convicted of these offenses, both men face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The charges against Ludke and Padilla-Conde are a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of law enforcement efforts to identify and disrupt plots to support foreign terrorist organizations.

Ludke and Padilla-Conde were arrested by the FBI and local law enforcement near San Angelo, Texas. According to the complaint, the two were traveling from Wisconsin to Mexico, where they intended to acquire aid and documents necessary to travel to Syria and/or Iraq. The complaint alleges that the men were attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization that poses a significant threat to United States’ interests abroad and at home.

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad stated that the United States is committed to identifying and arresting persons intent on providing material support of any kind to foreign terrorist organizations. Haanstad commended the work of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which worked together to investigate and disrupt the alleged plot.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Justin Tolomeo, emphasized the importance of vigilance in preventing terrorist activity. “Terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority in keeping Americans safe,” Tolomeo said. “The arrest of these two individuals from Wisconsin underscores how the real threat of terrorism can occur anywhere, at anytime. We encourage all citizens to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Kanter. A copy of the criminal complaint is available, and the public is reminded that the complaint contains only allegations of criminal conduct, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The charges against Ludke and Padilla-Conde serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of law enforcement efforts to disrupt plots to support foreign terrorist organizations. The case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in keeping Americans safe from the threat of terrorism.