Fla. Judge Dismisses Terror Charges Against Young Cleric

Photo source: AP

A federal Florida judge has dismissed terrorism support and conspiracy charges against 26-year-old Florida imam Izhar Khan, who, along with his father Hafiz Khan, was accused of funneling more than $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban. U.S. District Judge Robert Scola ruled Thursday there was insufficient evidence to pursue the young cleric, but is still moving forward with charges against the elder Khan. 

The 77-year-old imam is believed to have transferred at least -- and likely more than -- $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban to fund their weapons purchases along with a children's madrassa meant to enlist young Taliban recruits and provide shelter to active jihadist, the FBI said.

Scola ruled that Izhar Khan's involvement in two transactions totaling $1,100 did not show he was supporting the Taliban, the Associated Press reports. Charges against another of Hafiz Khan's sons were also dropped earlier by prosecutors.

Each of the charges against the elder Khan carry maximum 15-year prison sentences.

Three other Khan family members including Hafiz's son, grandson and daughter, are also charged in the indictment. The four-count indictment also alleges that all six of the defendants conspired to kill, injure and kidnap people abroad.

Hafiz Khan presides over Flagler Mosque in Miami while Izhar Khan serves as imam at the Jamaat Al-Mu'mineen Mosque in neighboring Margate.

For additional context, below is a report from May, 2011, courtesy of CNN: