PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Robert Blake Jackson, 31, of Pensacola, will spend the next three years in a federal prison cell after being sentenced today for deliberately misleading federal investigators about his online activity and allegiance to the terrorist group ISIL, also known as ISIS. The sentence, handed down by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Christopher P. Canova, underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating even indirect support for extremist organizations.
The case against Jackson began to unfold in late 2014 when his Facebook profile became a digital billboard for extremist propaganda. Investigators discovered a disturbing collection of posts, images, and videos openly celebrating and promoting ISIL, including graphic depictions of executions of those deemed enemies of the group. This online behavior didn’t stay confined to the virtual world; in January 2015, Jackson’s employer, a Pensacola telemarketing firm, terminated his employment after catching him viewing ISIL-related and other terrorist content on the company’s work computer.
Jackson attempted to conceal his activities when questioned by the FBI in June 2015. He flatly denied ever posting pro-ISIL or violent material, and falsely claimed he only used his work computer for legitimate news searches. This deception didn’t last. When federal agents arrested Jackson in July 2016, they seized an electronic tablet that contained a recent edition of Dabiq, ISIL’s slickly produced recruitment magazine, alongside audio lectures by the notorious radical cleric Anwar al-Awalki.
Facing mounting evidence, Jackson finally admitted the truth during his plea hearing on September 23, 2016, confessing that his statements to federal agents were, in fact, false. While Jackson wasn’t directly accused of plotting attacks, the Justice Department is sending a clear message: lying to investigators in terrorism-related cases is a serious crime with serious consequences. “Our law enforcement agencies work around the clock to keep us safe,” U.S. Attorney Canova stated. “The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute those who provide false statements to federal agents, because false statements divert precious time and resources from the furtherance of important criminal investigations.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg led the prosecution, with support from David Cora of the National Security Division. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly passive online support for terrorist groups can attract federal scrutiny and lead to criminal charges, especially when coupled with deliberate deception.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 nationwide, plays a critical role in federal law enforcement. Public court documents related to this case are available on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For further information, contact Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer, at (850) 216-3854 or amy.alexander@usdoj.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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