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McHenry County News DISPLAY ADVERTISING & CLASSIFIEDS: 815-654-4850 • CIRCULATION: 815-654-4854 • E-MAIL: McHenryNews@RVPublishing.com
VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 45
11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115
Chicago man charged with conspiring to support ISIS A Chicago man has been arrested on a federal complaint charging him with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq in al-Sham (ISIS). Ashraf Al Safoo, also known as “Abu Al’-Abbas Al-Iraqi,” “Abu Shanab,” and “Abbusi,” 34, was arrested Wednesday in Chicago. A criminal complaint charges him with one count of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization. Al Safoo made an initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman and was ordered detained in federal custody. A detention hearing was scheduled for Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. Al Safoo is a naturalized United States citizen of Iraqi descent who resides in Chicago. The complaint alleges that Al Safoo, at the direction of and in coordination with ISIS, aided ISIS in using social media to spread propaganda supporting violent jihad, to recruit operatives, and to encourage others to carry out terrorist attacks. The complaint and arrest were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was investigated by the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is comprised of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. “This charge demonstrates that in order to keep our communities safe, law enforcement will vigorously pursue those who provide material support – in whatever form – to designated foreign terrorist organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Today’s arrest is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who stand watch over our country.” “At a time when the threat from internet-inspired terrorism remains high, we must be vigilant against those who disseminate on-line propaganda promoting violence in support of ISIS, like Ashraf al Safoo is alleged to have conspired to have done,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “His arrest shows that the Department of Justice remains alert to this threat and continues to seek to hold people accountable for conspiring to support foreign terrorist organizations.” “The safety of the American public is the FBI’s highest priority,” said FBI SAC Sallet. “Home-grown terrorists and ‘lone-actor’ operators continue to represent a threat to the homeland. The arrest today should send a clear message to these individuals, no matter who you are or where you may be, we will find you and arrest you. This case would not be possible without the combined efforts of the Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force, and in particular
the work of our partners at the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.” According to the complaint, Al Safoo is a member of Khattab Media Foundation, an internet-based organization that has sworn an oath of allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated ISIS propaganda online. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab have created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays and infographics across multiple social media platforms, at the direction and in coordination with ISIS, the complaint states. Much of the propaganda created and distributed by Khattab promotes violent jihad on behalf of ISIS and ISIS’s media office, the complaint states. On Nov. 4, 2017, according to the complaint, Al Safoo reposted in a social media application for Khattab members an encouragement for people to help ISIS in any way possible, including by offering money or themselves. Al Safoo wrote, “Thus, it was incumbent on us to support them verbally and with money and soul and by inciting others to target the tyrants and expose the evil scholars and the Saudi rulers,” the complaint states. On May 23, 2018, according to the complaint, Al Safoo posted on multiple social media groups directions and encouragement for Khattab’s ISIS propaganda efforts: “Brothers, roll up your sleeves! Cut video publications into small clips, take still shots, and post the hard work of your brothers in the apostate’s pages and sites. Participate in the war, and spread fear.” The complaint cites several images and videos created by Khattab and disseminated online. The postings include images of violence during the Christmas season, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” terrorist attacks in western countries. Because the material promoted violence, Khattab members frequently had their social media accounts suspended or deleted, the complaint states. The members sought access to hacked social media accounts and created accounts under fake names and identifiers. These accounts were then distributed to Khattab members to use in disseminating ISIS propaganda, according to the complaint. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The conspiracy charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas, Vikas Didwania, Melody Wells and Peter S. Salib of the Northern District of Illinois, and Lolita Lukose, Trial Attorney of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Canoeing on the Fox
THURSDAY, NOV. 1, 2018
SUBMITTED PHOTO McHenry County News
On a chilly Oct. 21, a small group from Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Friends of the Fox River met to paddle a 12-mile stretch of the lower Fox River from Sheridan to Ayers Landing in Wedron. With breathtaking rock formations along the river, this is a must for all those who enjoy The Fox and unique geology of Illinois. The group will return in warmer weather for a joint trip for members next summer. Pictured here are: back row from L: Gary Mechanic, Gary Swick, Robb Cleave and front row from L: Cynthia Kanner and Lynn Rotunno.
District 200 staff, volunteer honored by ISBE as ‘Those Who Excel’ For more than a decade, Debbie Schweihs has been the masterful matriarch of the District 200 band program instilling a passion for music from the first time students pick up an instrument in fifth grade. Schweihs, the District 200 Elementary Band director, was among seven Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 employees and one volunteer honored Saturday, Oct. 20 by the Illinois State Board of Education at its Those Who Excel/Teacher of the Year banquet in Normal. Fifth-grade Olson Elementary teacher Katie Jacobson has worked with Schweihs, whom the ISBE presented with an Award of Merit, both as a colleague and as Schweihs’s band student. “Mrs. Schweihs goes above and beyond to promote the love of music for all students, including those with special needs. She works incredibly hard to ensure that all students reach their fullest musical potential,” Jacobson wrote in a recommendation letter. Schweihs has been teaching band for 27 years. She also performs with a saxophone quartet and with the Woodstock City Band and as an educator has been focusing her expertise on beginners. “I believe this was where I was meant to be,” Schweihs said. “As a band director, I believe all students deserve the opportunity to experience playing an instrument and explore their musical abilities.” The Those Who Excel program recognizes individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions
to their schools and communities. This year, 214 educators were recognized by a committee of statewide educators and former award winners. District 200’s team of Lit/Tech Coaches was also presented with an ISBE Award of Merit, largely for its excellent work in guiding the District’s 1-to-1 technology program where each student is issued a laptop computer used for instruction, in addition to driving many educational initiatives. The team is comprised of Kristen Sauber, Courtney Heeren, Shanon Laidig, and Marti Frisbie. “They truly have made the best laid plans of our District come to life in the form of quality instruction,” Superintendent Mike Moan said. Ryan Logsdon, head custodian at Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, was also presented with an Award of Merit for his tireless work at one of the district’s largest schools that houses its smallest students. “Ryan has the most positive attitude, and he is exceptional in dealing with the students, who love ‘Mr. Ryan.’ His door is covered with artwork given to him by the children,” said Michelle Martin, assistant principal at Verda Dierzen. Cristina Aguilar, a second-grade dual language teacher at Mary Endres Elementary School, also earned the ISBE Award of Merit this year as an early career educator. Aguilar attended District 200 schools before attending college to pursue her education career.
“A natural ability to relate to children has made it easy for Cristina to develop a positive rapport with her students,” Mary Endres Principal Kery Pala said. “She puts forth her best effort every day and makes a huge difference in her students’ lives.” Amy Perry, a school psychologist at Creekside Middle School, was presented with an ISBE Award of Recognition for her work with Creekside’s wide-ranging student population including many students with special needs and disabilities. “Having a child who struggles in specific areas, whether academically, behaviorally, socially or emotionally, can be hard on families. Mrs. Perry works to develop a relationship with parents and takes their perspectives into account when delivering information,” Creekside Principal Michael Wheatley said. District 200 also had a community volunteer recognized with a Those Who Excel Award of Excellence. Roger Oberman, a retired District 200 teacher, spent three to five hours a day assisting in firstgrade classrooms at Dean Street Elementary. “No matter what role Roger has played in the District, his ability to work with people, care about and teach children, and always keep our students first has made him invaluable to our District and, most importantly, to the children of our community,” Superintendent Mike Moan said.