NC man convicted in terror case seeks freedom

[January 26, 2011]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The first person convicted of a terrorism-related charge that's become a go-to tactic for prosecutors was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday as he seeks release from prison and his original 155-year sentence.

Attorneys for Mohamad Hammoud have argued in court filings that his 2002 sentence was too harsh and that he should have been sentenced to no more than about eight years. He was the first person convicted under a 1996 federal law prohibiting aid to designated terrorist groups.

Hammoud's case was returned for resentencing following a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that determined federal sentencing guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.

Prosecutors contend Hammoud was indoctrinated with radical teachings as a youth, adheres to an anti-American philosophy and wanted to kill a federal prosecutor and destroy the building that held evidence against him.

Hammoud was also convicted of other crimes including cigarette smuggling, credit card fraud, money laundering and racketeering. Prosecutors contend he was the leader of a Hezbollah cell who raised money by sending cheap North Carolina cigarettes to Michigan to be resold without paying that state's higher taxes. The government says some of the profits were directed to Hezbollah.

The United States lists Hezbollah as a terrorist organization blamed for numerous attacks on Israel. This week, the group won a prominent role in the government of Lebanon.

[Associated Press]

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