Last two of "Fort Dix Five" sentenced
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
By: Elizabeth Fiedler
efiedler@whyy.org
The five men found guilty of conspiring to kill U.S. soldiers, have now learned their fates. A judge at the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey sentenced the last two members of the "Fort Dix Five" yesterday for their role in plotting an attack on soldiers at New Jersey's Fort Dix military base. A day earlier, three other members of the group were sentenced to life in prison.
Listen:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The government said one of the men, Mohamad Shnewer was at the epicenter of the conspiracy plans. The judge agreed, said he didn't believe Shnewer could be rehabilitated. Then he sentenced him to life plus 30 years in prison.
The judge said he does have hope the remaining defendant, Serdar Tatar, could change. He received a 33-year sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph Marra says the punishments are just.
Fort Dix 5 prosecution team. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Fiedler)
Marra: What we're trying to do here of course is prevent these types of things from happening, to punish people who are trying to do them, and to deter other people.
Many family members said two government informants pushed the men to move forward with the attack plans.
Lawyers for all five defendants say they will appeal.
The judge said he does have hope the remaining defendant, Serdar Tatar, could change. He received a 33-year sentence.