Michigan Man Discreetly Tried Providing Material Support To ISIS, Now Sentenced For 20 Years

Officials at the FBI Detroit Field Office announced the sentencing of a Michigan man after he was convicted of providing information to a foreign terrorist organization. The man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after investigators found evidence that he had provided support to ISIS.

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, has a history of carrying out terror attacks around the world. Those attacks have caused thousands of civilian casualties. The 38-year-old man’s actions were described as a threat to American lives and homeland security.

Aws Mohammed Naser, a Westland resident, faced a five-week trial in 2025 where his links to the terrorist organization were proven. The jury found that he twice attempted to provide material support to ISIS, including offering himself as personnel in service to the group.

Other evidence presented at trial showed that Naser became radicalized at a young age and had a history of posting extremist jihadi ideological content on social media. Gradually, he grew closer to a Salafi-jihadist preacher named Russell Dennison. As their bond strengthened, the duo reportedly visited Iraq in 2012.

Once back in the United States, Naser began consuming large amounts of terrorist propaganda. He also extensively searched for weapons and repeatedly watched violent content, including beheadings.

Naser’s 20-year prison sentence came after he was convicted on two charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He was also convicted on a felony charge of possessing a destructive device. The jury reached its verdict after six hours of deliberation.

One of the primary accusations against Naser involved attempts to send weapons and munitions to his ISIS associate, Dennison. During one such incident, he tried leaving the United States to reach Detroit with luggage that included a rifle scope, a cane sword and a four-inch tactical knife. When he was prevented from taking the flight, Naser later robbed a gas station and was sentenced to three years in prison.

After he was released and placed on parole, Naser decided to support ISIS from within America. His plans of personally joining the terrorist organization changed, and he began identifying himself as a “Son of the Islamic State” and a “Soldier of the Caliphate.”

During a thorough search of Naser’s belongings and residence, the FBI discovered that his basement had been turned into a bomb-making lab. It also contained multiple drones, along with parts and tools. Authorities also recovered a ready-to-assemble explosive device from the same location. It included chemicals and components commonly used to make IEDs.

Given the nature of his crime, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has been involved. At the time of the verdict, the jury expressed, “This self-professed ‘soldier of the Caliphate’ and ‘son of the Islamic State’ has now faced American justice. We welcomed this traitor into our Nation with open arms. And he repaid us by building a bomb and helping our great enemy. Those who support terrorism or violent extremism against the United States should expect a lengthy prison sentence.”