Defense Discussing Plea Deal In Aurora Terrorism Case
CHICAGO (AP) -- An attorney for a suburban Chicago man accused of seeking to join al-Qaida-affiliated fighters in Syria has told a federal judge the defense expects to seal a plea agreement.
Abdella Ahmad Tounisi's attorney, Molly Armour, disclosed progress toward a deal at a Wednesday status hearing in Chicago. Neither side mentioned possible terms.
The 20-year-old was arrested at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in 2013 trying to board a Turkey-bound plane. Prosecutors say the then-teenager from Aurora hoped to join Nusra Front.
Armour first disclosed plea negotiations in January. Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan set the next status hearing for May 25.
Tounisi has denied trying to provide material support to a terrorist group. His maximum prison term would be several decades. Defendants who agree to plead guilty typically receive more lenient sentences.
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