Suspects arrested by Joint Terrorism Task Force get probation after facing prison

By Mike Owens

KSDK- Two more men, scooped up in a federal investigation by the federal Joint Terrorism Task Force, were given probation for their crimes, but with a twist.

The men, Mohammed Badwan and Suhail Jarabaa, had been sentenced earlier this month but their lawyers complained the sentences were far too harsh since others in the conspiracy who had done more, received less time.

Badwan was facing 16 months in prison and Jarabaa was looking at six months. The judge, Charles Shaw, reduced Badwan’s time to six month house arrest, which allows him to work, and Jarabaa has been cut to just probation.

Steve Welby, Jarabaa’s attorney, says its highly unusual for a judge to resentence defendants like Judge Shaw did. Welby says Judge Shaw did not have all the facts and information when he sentenced the two earlier this month; with further information, the judge changed the sentencing.

John Lynch, Badwan’s lawyer, said in court that the case as presented was “inflated.” Out of court, Lynch said he thought the court had been told the case was much more than it turned out to be and that’s why prison time was melting into probation.

Bassam Hamed was the alleged ringleader. He was given probation 10 days ago, but attends all of the hearings for the other defendants. Prosecutors said he was the leader of the family and was called “Sheik” by the others. Hamed said he’s done nothing wrong, but send money overseas to the Middle East to help his family.

While Jarabaa was given probation on Monday, he has other problems: he’s not an American citizen and faces deportation.

The final defendant in the case goes to court on April Fools Day for sentencing.

Ksdk.com

March 16, 2010