Philadelphia: American Teen from Pakistan in Custody After Helping to Recruit Terrorists in ‘Jihad Jane’ Plot

“PHILADELPHIA – A U.S. teen from Pakistan is in secret custody, accused of helping recruit terrorists for the woman known as ‘Jihad Jane,’ a person close to the boy’s family said Friday.

Charges filed last month accuse the 17-year-old of helping Colleen LaRose in her alleged efforts to incite an Islamic holy war. Prosecutors have said LaRose was a convert to Islam who wrote of being driven by an urge to help suffering Muslims.

The high school graduate had accepted a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, according to the person. He is instead in custody at a youth facility. He could be moved to an adult prison — and have his case moved to adult court — when he turns 18 next month.

A law-enforcement source confirmed the details to The Associated Press. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the sealed case. The AP is not publicizing the teen’s name because he is charged as a juvenile.

The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported on his arrest in Friday editions.

The teen came to the U.S. four years ago and has lived with his strict, education-minded family in suburban Baltimore. He is the rare juvenile to be charged or detained in federal custody.” Read more.