In
a scathing opinion against the FBI, the presiding judge called
the men "hapless" petty criminals who were "easily manipulated"
by the government in a sting operation.
The men to be released are: Onta Williams, David Williams and
Laguerra Payen, who were three of what became known as the
"Newburgh Four."
A fourth man, described as the ringleader by the government,
James Cromitie, did not seek compassionate release and is
expected to serve until 2030.
Lawyers for the men could not immediately be identified by
Reuters to seek comment.
U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon wrote in her 28-page order
filed Thursday that all four men were caught up in a scheme in
2009 to attack the synagogues, community center and launch
stinger missiles at military aircraft, driven by overzealous FBI
agents and an "unsavory" confidential informant.
A spokesperson for the FBI was not immediately available to
comment to Reuters.
The judge granted compassionate release to three men and reduced
their sentence to time served plus 90 days, citing concerns for
the men's health and her own qualms about the original
25-year-sentence she imposed on the men in 2011.
Cromitie was described as the ringleader by prosecutors during
the trial.
But Judge McMahon wrote that Cromitie was a small-time "grifter"
who was broke and unemployed when he was enlisted in the FBI
driven plot, who provided fake bombs to plant in exchange for
$250,000 in the "jihadist mission."
Cromitie enlisted the other three men to serve as lookouts, the
judge wrote.
"Nothing about the crimes was the defendants' own doing. The FBI
invented the conspiracy," McMahon wrote.
The three men are scheduled to be released in October.
(Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Michael Perry)
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