COLUMBUS – The government says a 20-year-old Columbus man accused of trying to join the Islamic State group has been arrested while attempting to fly to Libya.
Aaron Daniels was taken into custody Monday at John Glenn Columbus International Airport after a monthslong investigation, according to U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman.
Glassman says Daniels, who is also known by the names Harun Muhammad and Abu Yusef wired $250 to an Islamic State group operative in January.
A criminal complaint alleges Daniels also told an undercover informant about his interest in traveling overseas to commit jihad.
The complaint alleges that Daniels set up email addresses and a social media account using the aliases Muhammad and Yusuf and expressed interest in violent jihad and travelling overseas in various communications.
The complaint also claims that Daniels wired money to an intermediary for Abu Isa Al-Amriki, a now-deceased IS member, recruiter and external attack planner.
Authorities say he also told an undercover FBI employee that he wanted to travel to Trinidad and eventually to Libya.
Daniels bought an airline ticket to Trinidad Nov. 5 and was arrested at the airport before boarding his flight, charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Daniels made an initial court appearance in federal court wearing ankle and wrist chains. He was read his rights but wasn’t required to enter a plea.
Magistrate Judge Terence Kemp scheduled a Thursday morning bond hearing.
Daniels’ court-appointed attorney declined to comment.
If convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.