Wakefield teen indicted for trying to use gift cards to support ISIS
BOSTON - A Wakefield man has been indicted, accused of "concealing the source of material support or resources" he intended to support the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS).
According to prosecutors, Mateo Ventura, 18, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston after he allegedly sent gift cards to someone he believed was an ISIS supporter. The gift cards, totaling approximately $700, were to be sold on the dark web for less than their face value, and the proceeds would be used to support ISIS and a "war on kuffar," or disbelievers.
Ventura's father said the incident was a misunderstanding, and Ventura was trying to show the FBI how easy it is for Americans to connect with terrorists online.
If Ventura is found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and a lifetime of supervised release.