Suburban Man in Islamic State Case Gets 40 Months in Prison

A 21-year-old man from suburban Chicago was sentenced Friday to 40 months in prison for trying to join Islamic State militants.

Mohammed Hamzah Khan faced a maximum 15-year sentence for seeking to provide material support to terrorists. 

Khan was arrested in 2014 at a Chicago airport on the first leg of his planned journey to Syria. Prosecutors say two younger siblings with him weren't charged. 

His mother, Zarine Khan, said after his arrest that IS brainwashes youths via social media and demanded that they "Leave our children alone!"

Prosecutors have cited Khan's cooperation identifying IS recruiters in requesting a 5-year sentence. Defense lawyers want a 3-year sentence. With time served, that could mean his release next year. Durkin says Khan will enter college once freed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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