Man gets 3 years for lying about ISIS contact
ST. PAUL -- A Minnesota man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for lying to the FBI about his social media exchanges with Islamic State group recruiters.
Twenty-three-year-old Abdul Raheem Ali-Skelton, of Glencoe, pleaded guilty in April to lying about his communications with the group.
Prosecutors argued Tuesday for a five-year sentence. Minnesota Public Radio reported that Assistant US Attorney Charles Kovats said Ali-Skelton maintained secret contact with "the worst of the worst of terrorist organizations."
Ali-Skelton apologized and distanced himself from ISIS ideology, saying he never supported terrorism. His attorney cited mental health issues, saying communicating with the group made Ali-Skelton feel important.
