Va. man admits aiding terrorist group

By: Emily Babay
Examiner Staff Writer
October 20, 2010

A 20-year-old Bristow man pleaded guilty Wednesday to aiding the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab.

Zachary A. Chesser pleaded guilty in federal court in Alexandria to providing material support to a terrorist organization, communicating threats and soliciting crimes of violence.

Chesser admitted that he encouraged attacks on the creators of the television show “South Park” for mocking the prophet Muhammad on their show. He also pleaded guilty to soliciting others to try to desensitize law enforcement by putting suspicious-looking, but harmless, packages in public places. Chesser admitted that he twice tried to go to Somalia to join al-Shabaab as a fighter, and once took his infant son to the airport to avoid detections.

He will be sentenced Feb. 25 and faces up to 30 years in prison.

— Emily Babay