Metro Transit Officer Charged Wtih Trying to Aid ISIS

WASHINGTON — A veteran officer with Metro Transit Police was charged Wednesday morning with trying to help ISIS, including an attempt to send $245 through gift cards to militants overseas.

Nicholas Young, 36, of Fairfax, was arrested at Metro headquarters, capping an investigation that Metro Transit Police initiated in 2010 and that was connected to two other men who have since pleaded guilty to related federal charges.

He was terminated upon arrest, Metro spokesman Dan Stessel told WTOP.

“Since I received my first briefing on this matter, Chief Pavlik and I have worked hand-in-glove with the FBI in the interest of public safety and to ensure that this individual would be brought to justice,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld.

“Metro Transit Police alerted the FBI about this individual and then worked with our federal partners throughout the investigation up to and including today’s arrest. Obviously, the allegations in this case are profoundly disturbing. They’re disturbing to me, and they’re disturbing to everyone who wears the uniform,” Wiedefeld said.

“On behalf of the Metro Transit Police Department, I want to thank the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia for their investigative work leading to today’s indictment,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik. “This investigation began with concerns that were reported by the Metro Transit Police Department, and it reinforces that, as citizens, we all have a duty to report suspicious activity whenever and wherever it occurs.”

Young is charged with a single count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group. He is set to make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

Stay with WTOP for updates on this developing story.

WTOP’s Max Smith contributed to this report.

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