HARTFORD, Conn., March 28 (UPI) -- A former member of the U.S. Navy was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of material support of terrorism and disclosing classified information.
Hassan Abujihaad, formerly known as Paul R. Hall, was accused of providing "material support or resources, knowing or intending that they were to be used in preparation for, or in carrying out, a conspiracy to kill United States nationals," according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced the indictment Monday and commended the combined efforts of federal law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut.
The charges arise from allegations that Abujihaad provided information sensitive to U.S. national security to terrorist suspects Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan of Azzam Publications, who allegedly maintained a Web site that provided material support and resources to terrorists. Ahmad and Ahsan were previously indicted in Connecticut.
Abujihaad is accused providing information regarding the location and vulnerabilities of numerous U.S. ships while he was on active duty with the Navy and stationed aboard the USS Benfold in the Middle East. Among the other complaints filed against him in Connecticut, is the charge of destroying computer files revealing his correspondence with Azzam Publications after learning that Ahmad was apprehended.
The ICE noted an email exchange between Abujihaad and Azzam in which the accused "described a recent force protection briefing given aboard his ship, voiced enmity toward America, praised Osama bin Laden and the mujahedin, praised the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole, and advised the members of Azzam Publications that such tactics were working and taking their toll."
If convicted of espionage and terrorism charges, Abujihaad faces a maximum prison term of 25 years.
