Metro Detroit Man Tried Helping ISIS: Feds

WESTLAND, MI — A Westland man faces federal charges after officials said he owned a destructive device and tried to provide support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, which is a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Aws Mohammed Naser, 34, was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device, federal officials said.

Naser faces up to 20 years in prison for the first charge and up to 15 years in prison for the second charge. His next court date is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Detroit.

"Terrorism poses significant threats to people living in our district and around the world," United States Attorney Dawn Ison said. "We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to aid terrorists."

Federal officials said Naser tried to provide support to ISIS in the form of personnel, including himself and services between 2011 and October 2017, knowing that ISIS was a designated terrorist organization.

"Today’s indictment serves to remind others what can happen if they attempt to provide assistance to a foreign terrorist organization," said James A. Tarasca, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office.