Isis in the US: New Jersey man charged with conspiracy to provide support to terrorist group

A New Jersey man became the latest person charged in the New York City area for having connections to terrorist organisation Isis. US Department of Justice charged 21-year-old Samuel Rahamin Topaz with conspiring to support the terrorist group.

Topaz, from Fort Lee, New Jersey was arrested at home on 17 June. Authorities claim Topaz frequently corresponded with Queens college student Munther Omar Saleh, who was arrested with an unnamed co-conspirator on Saturday 13 June.

Reuters reported Saleh is accused of plotting to set off an explosive device in New York City for Isis. On 17 June, 21-year-old Fareed Mumuni was also arrested after he attempted to stab an FBI agent who was executing a search warrant on his Staten Island home.

Prosecutors claim Topaz planned to travel abroad to fight for Isis. According to CNN, Topaz discussed his plans to leave the US to fight for the terrorist group with three other Americans, who were not named in the court documents.

Reuters reported that one of the unnamed co-conspirators from New Jersey allegedly left the US in May to join Isis. When he could not reach Saleh on 15 June, Topaz wrote to an unnamed individual. "We gotta leave ASAP," he allegedly wrote.

Authorities were able to intercept Topaz's communications, including his plan to purchase plane tickets. Topaz's court-appointed attorney, Ian Hirsch, decline to comment on the charges, telling Reuters he need to examine them in depth.

If convicted, Topaz could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 (£158,000) fine.