Former Police Officer Indicted for Attempting to Support ISIL

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Nicholas Young, 37, of Fairfax, who was formerly employed as a police officer with the Metro Transit Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and obstruction of justice.

According to allegations in the indictment, between on or about Dec. 3, 2015, and on or about July 28, 2016, Young attempted to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The material support and resources that Young attempted to provide included, but was not limited to: Protection of ISIL personnel from capture or harm by attempting to mislead the FBI as to what Young believed to be his friend’s travel to Syria to join ISIL; and the provision of gift cards for ISIL. 

According to allegations in the indictment, between on or about Dec. 3, 2015, and Dec. 5, 2015, Young attempted to obstruct and impede an official proceeding.  In specific, Young believed an associate of his, who was actually an FBI confidential human source (CHS), had successfully joined ISIL in late 2014.  During an FBI interview, Young was told the FBI was investigating the attempt of his associate (the CHS) to join ISIL. Nevertheless, in an attempt to thwart the prosecution of the CHS and himself, Young attempted to deceive investigators as to the destination and purpose of the CHS’ travel. 

According to allegations in the indictment, on or about Nov. 20, 2014, Young attempted to obstruct, influence, and impede an official proceeding of the Grand Jury by sending a text message to the CHS’ cell phone in order to make it falsely appear to the FBI that the CHS had left the United States to go on vacation in Turkey. In actuality, Young believed the CHS had gone to Turkey and then to Syria in order to join and fight for ISIL.

Young faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the indictment was returned. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and John T. Gibbs, and Trial Attorney David P. Cora of the National Security Division.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-265.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.