Chesser Gets 25-Year Sentence for Supporting Terrorists

Zachary Chesser, a 2008 grad, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, today for supporting Somali terrorists and threatening the creators of "South Park" after an episode mocking the prophet Muhammed aired.

Chesser, 21, pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to providing support to al-Shabab, a Somali terrorist group linked to al-Qaida, by posting propaganda online. He also exchanged e-mails with Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Aulaqi, who has been linked to the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt of a Detroit-bound airplane and the Fort Hood massacre.

In a plea agreement, Chesser agreed to no less than 20 years. Prosecutors sought a 30-year sentence.

“Zachary Chesser attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and used the Internet to incite violence,” said Assistant Attorney General David Kris, assistant attorney general for the National Security Division, in a statement. “Today he is being held accountable for his actions. I applaud the many agents, prosecutors and analysts who worked tirelessly to bring this man to justice.”

In November, the Washington Post chronicled Chesser's rapid conversion from typical high school student to Muslim convert to Muslim extremist.

“Zachary Chesser encouraged violent jihad,” said James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, in a statement. “The FBI is concerned about U.S. citizens traveling overseas to join Al-Shabaab, and we are vigilant in working to disrupt potential plots where U.S. citizens become further indoctrinated and return with actual terrorism experience and training.”

The full news release from the U.S. Justice Department can be found here.