Thread: Suspect with alQaida links convicted of immigration charges

Aug 3 2007 6:42PM
Associated Press
Suspect with al-Qaida links convicted of immigration charges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal jury convicted Mohamad Kamal Elzahabi (EHL'-zah-hah-bee) of possessing fraudulent immigration documents today.

The 44-year-old was arrested three years ago as part of a terrorism investigation, and has admitted ties to al-Qaida. But he was prosecuted on immigration charges as prosecutors alleged he used fraud to stay in the United States.

U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose said the case was about maintaining the integrity of American immigration documents.

Prosecutors alleged that Elzahabi's 1984 marriage to an exotic dancer in Houston was a business deal to obtain a green card, with Elzahabi paying her to be his wife so he could become a legal permanent resident.

Elzahabi Attorney Paul Engh had argued that his client, who is Lebanese, had pure intentions when he married the woman.

The FBI said Elzahabi admitted attending a jihad training camp, fought as a sniper in Afghanistan in the early 1990s, and had connections to high-ranking members of the terrorist organization.

A sentencing date has not been set.

http://www.kxmb.com/News/149648.asp

The 44-year-old was arrested three years ago as part of a terrorism investigation, and has admitted ties to al-Qaida. But he was prosecuted on immigration charges as prosecutors alleged he used fraud to stay in the United States

. It took 3 years to prosecute this sandbag on immigration charges??? 3 years??? 3 years??? Did I say 3 years???