‘South Park' Threatener Faces 30 Years

Bristow native said the show was insulting to the prophet Muhammad.

A Virginia man who threatened the creators of "South Park" and then tried to join an al Qaida-linked terror group is facing a prison term of more than 20 years.

Zachary A. Chesser of Bristow, Va., pleaded guilty last year to supporting the al-Shabab terrorist group in Somalia and posting online threats against Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Chesser apparently perceived their controversial April 14, 2010 episode as insulting to the prophet Muhammad.

Chesser is a Muslim convert.

Prosecutors are now seeking the maximum sentence of 30 years. Chesser's lawyers are asking for a 20-year term.

Chesser says he has renounced violence and is sorry for what he did. A sentencing hearing is scheduled Thursday morning in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.


Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Copyright The Associated Press
Contact Us