CALIFORNIA
Nicholas Michael Teausant was arrested traveling to Canada, near the border, on March 17, 2014, with the intent of going to Syria to join the terrorist group ISIS, according to officials.
Tuesday, the 22-year-old from Acampo, California, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group.
“With this sentence, Nicholas Michael Teausant will be held accountable for attempting to travel overseas to join ISIL and to provide material support to the designated terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin . “The National Security Division’s highest priority is countering terrorist threats, and we will continue to work to stem the flow of foreign fighters abroad and bring to justice those who attempt to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
On March 26, 2014, Teausant was indicted on one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a terrorist organization. He pleaded guilty to the single count in the indictment without a plea agreement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge John A. Mendez also sentenced Teausant to 25 years of supervised release.
“Mr. Teausant was fixated on violence as documented by his social media posts, his pre-arrest statements, and the nature of the group he attempted to join,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert of California. “His conduct was misguided and unacceptable. We appreciate the court’s thoughtful consideration of this case and its recognition of the seriousness of the offense. With the assistance of our investigative partners, we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to provide material support to terrorist organizations.”
SACRAMENTO BEE NEWSPAPER INTERVIEW NICHOLAS MICHAEL TEAUSANT