Former Fort Bragg soldier charged with trying to join Al-Qaida group

[bathroommonkey76]

A former soldier with Fort Bragg ties was charged Monday with trying to join a terrorist organization.

Craig Benedict Baxam, 24, of Laurel, Md., is accused of attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, an al-Qaida-linked group based in Somalia.

Baxam, who served in the Army between 2007 and 2011, was arrested in Kenya on Dec. 23 and charged Friday upon his return to the United States.

He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release if convicted.

"The complaint alleges that Craig Baxam intended to travel to Somalia and join the terrorist organization al Shabaab," said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in a release. "Mr. Baxam was caught in Kenya before he reached Somalia, and there is no allegation that anyone assisted him."

More here:

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2012/01/09/1149234?sac=Local

[jakeXT]

1. Is it precrime ? Why only 15 years, no indefinite possibilty ?

Craig Baxam intended to travel to Somalia and join the terrorist organization al Shabaab," said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in a release. "Mr. Baxam was caught in Kenya before he reached Somalia,