Upstate New York Man Sentenced For Providing Material Support To Terrorists

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Eric J. Feight, 55, of Hudson, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 97 months in prison followed by a term of 3 years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian of the Northern District of New York, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Albany, New York Division. The sentence imposed today follows Feight’s January 22, 2014 plea of guilty to Providing Material Support to Terrorists, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339A(a), during which he admitted to helping Glendon Scott Crawford modify an industrial-grade radiation device intended to be used to kill Muslims in the Albany, New York area. Feight admitted he had assisted Crawford by designing and building a remote initiation unit to allow the radiation device to be activated from a distance¹. Both men were arrested following an extensive federal investigation. Crawford, a self-proclaimed Ku Klux Klan ("KKK") member, sought financial support for his plot from the KKK, and he and Feight later met with individuals they believed to be KKK financiers to advance their scheme to kill innocent human targets. Those individuals were FBI Agents posing as businessmen connected to the KKK who were willing to support the scheme.

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said: "This sentence highlights both the dangers we face when hatred and bigotry beget domestic terrorism and violent extremism, and our commitment to holding those who commit such crimes accountable. No American – of any background – should have to live in fear of this kind of attack. This case illustrates the importance of vigilance by community members and an immediate, comprehensive investigation by our Albany FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which thwarted the diabolical plan Feight supported. We must continue to counter messages of hate by empowering communities and emphasizing the inclusion on which our nation was founded – with local, state, and federal law enforcement ready to stop any who refuse to heed that call."

"Eric Feight aided Glendon Scott Crawford in altering a dispersal device to target unsuspecting Muslim Americans with lethal doses of radiation," said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. "Feight and Crawford’s abominable plot to harm innocent Americans was thwarted thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement. The National Security Division’s highest priority continues

to be combatting terrorism, and we remain ready to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist threats, both domestically and internationally," said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.

"This sentencing is the result of the incredible efforts of our Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office," said Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale. "While we enjoy today’s success, it is important that we continue to gain the strongest possible understanding to allow us to better assess the terrorism threat and identify those who would go beyond hateful rhetoric and extremist views to commit violent, criminal acts."

This case resulted from a long term investigation conducted by the Albany FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the Department of Homeland Security, New York State Police, Albany Police Department, Troy Police Department, and New York City Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office also appreciates the assistance of the Criminal Division and National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen C. Green and Richard Belliss, and Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Joseph Kaster.

1 Glendon Scott Crawford was convicted after trial in federal court on August 21, 2015 of Conspiracy to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and two additional terrorism offenses. Crawford is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2016 in Albany, New York and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Questions or inquiries may be directed to Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Southwick at 315-448-0672.