ISIS Sympathizer, Former Bergen Man, Pleads Guilty

A former Bergen County man admitted Thursday that he conspired to provide material support to the Islamic State and to set off homemade bombs throughout New York City, including Times Square.

Nader Saadeh, 20, formerly of Rutherford, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in federal court to one court of conspiring with others to provide material support to the Islamic State and the Levant (ISIL). He remains detained without bail.

“ISIL is intent on threatening the safety of Americans here and abroad, and we and our law enforcement partners are just as intent on supporting them,” said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

Saadeh admitted prior to being arrested Aug. 10 he planned to travel overseas to join the Islamic State with his brother, Alaa Saadeh, Samuel Rahamin Topaz, Munther Omar Saleh, and Fareed Mumuni. The men admitted watched Islamic State-related videos, some of which depicted the execution of individuals the Islamic State considers enemies, Fishman said.

Saadeh departed the United States May 5 and traveled to ISIL-controlled territory to fight on behalf of the Islamic State. Saadeh also admitted that Saleh provided him with a contact who would faciliate his travel from Turkey to Syria, Fishman said.

Saleh also admitted Saadeh showed him drawings on how to make homemade bombs and discussed plans to carry out an attack in the Islamic State’s name using homemade bombs throughout New York City, including Times Square, the World Trade Center, and the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, in Queens.

Saadeh’s alleged conspirators are being prosecuted and are currently in federal custody. Topaz and Alaa Saadeh pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide support the Islamic State. Saleh and Mumuni have been indicted on terrorism-related charges.

Saadeh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18.