Dearborn Resident Sentenced for Making False Statements to Federal Agents in Relation to a Terrorist Investigation

A 24-year old Dearborn man was sentenced yesterday to more than five years in prison for making false statements to federal agents in relation to a terrorist investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.

Joining in the announcement was David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division. 

U.S. District Judge Gerald E. Rosen sentenced Mohammad Hassan Hamdan to 63 months in prison and ordered him deported from the United States to Lebanon upon completion of his sentence. 

According to court records, on March 16, 2014, Hamdan attempted to fly to Lebanon and on to Syria to fight on behalf of Hizballah in the Syrian civil war.  Before boarding an overseas flight to Lebanon, Hamdan was stopped by agents of the FBI. Hamdan admitted that he knew the United States had designated Hizballah a terrorist organization. He denied any plans to join Hizballah or to fight in Syria, instead stating that the purpose of his trip to Lebanon was to have dental work done.  He later pleaded guilty and admitted that these statements were false.

"Supporting a terrorist organization anywhere in the world contributes to violent extremism and makes us all less safe," McQuade said. 

This case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Waterstreet.