Terrorist Plot By Ohio Man Targeted Military Members Overseas: Prosecutors

COLUMBUS, OH — Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud — who pled guilty to terrorism charges almost two years ago — planned to target members of the U.S. military overseas, according to prosecutors.

Attorney Sam Shamansky says the 25-year-old Ohio man recruited others when he returned home before recognizing "the immoral and illegal nature of terrorist ideology."

This change in heart, Mohamud's attorney argues, means a lengthy prison term isn't necessary. He was set to be sentenced Friday morning in federal court in Columbus, but the judge wanted to find out more before making a final decision. (For more information on this and other local stories, subscribe to the Columbus Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Judge James Graham said he would like to see more information about the process that Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud went through before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2014 as well as evidence of his state of mind during the crime.

Mohamud was in court Friday to be sentenced when the judge raised the questions about the case and eventually postponed the hearing. Mohamud's attorney, Sam Shamansky, said he didn't know what the delay meant for his client but said he was heartened by the judge's deliberate approach.

Court documents unsealed earlier this summer show Mohamud pleaded guilty almost two years ago to the terrorism charges.

Government prosecutors want a judge to impose a 23-year sentence. They say Mohamud tried to cover up dangerous terrorist activity.

AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins, File