SANTA ANA, Calif. – Two Southern California men have been convicted of trying to become fighters for the Islamic State terrorist group.
Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi were convicted Tuesday of conspiracy to aid a foreign terrorist organization. Each faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
Badawi also was found guilty of financial aid fraud and Elhuzayel was convicted of bank fraud.
Federal authorities say the 25-year-old Anaheim men talked of becoming "martyrs" and last year concocted a scheme for Elhuzayel to reach Syria.
Prosecutors say Badawi used money from a federal college grant to help Elhuzayel buy a plane ticket to the Middle East. They also say Elhuzayel got money by depositing stolen checks in his accounts.
Badawi's lawyer argued that he was "all talk" and never intended to fight overseas.
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