by Laura Yuen, Minnesota Public Radio
Abdow Munye Abdow has admitted to lying to the FBI, which is investigating the case. About 20 Twin Cities men traveled to their native Somalia, allegedly to fight with a terrorist group.
Abdow was not a key player in the departures, but in a court document filed this week, federal prosecutors say he obstructed a fast-moving investigation and decided to cover for his friends when, quote, "the truth mattered most."
Abdow lied about a cross-country road trip he took in late 2009, after most of the alleged fighters already left for Somalia. Authorities believe two of those men in Abdow's car were involved in recruiting young men to fight. Those two men are no longer in the U.S.
Prosecutors say Abdow should spend up to 16 months in prison, which is in line with sentencing guidelines.
Abdow's attorney told the Associated Press he will ask for probation and says his client does not have a criminal history.
Source: MPR