Muslim Cleric Held in Fraud Pleads Not Guilty
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An Islamic religious leader arrested at an airport by federal agents pleaded not guilty to charges of document fraud.
During the arraignment, a federal prosecutor said explosives residue was detected on two pieces of luggage belonging to Sheik Mohamed Abdirahman Kariye.
Kariye, 41, has not been charged with counts related to the residue. But Assistant U.S. Atty. Charles Gorder cited the tests on the luggage in arguing for Kariye’s continued detention. Gorder refused to comment further after the hearing.
Kariye is charged with unlawful use of a Social Security number and unlawful possession of a U.S. government document. He was arrested Sunday at Portland International Airport by an anti-terrorism task force composed of agents from several federal agencies and local police.
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