COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The government said an Ohio man accused of trying to join the Islamic State group was arrested Monday while attempting to fly to Libya.
Aaron Daniels, 20, was taken into custody Monday at John Glenn Columbus International Airport after a monthslong investigation.
"The complaint alleges that Daniels set up email addresses and a social media account using the aliases (Harun) Muhammad and (Abu) Yusuf. Daniels allegedly expressed his interest in violent jihad and travelling overseas in various communications," U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman said in a statement.
Glassman said Daniels wired $250 to an Islamic State group operative in January. That person was "an intermediary for Abu Isa Al-Amriki, a now-deceased ISIL member, recruiter and external attack planner," Glassman said.
A criminal complaint alleges Daniels told an undercover informant about his interest in traveling overseas, to Trinidad and then on to Libya, to commit jihad.
Daniels made an initial court appearance in federal court wearing ankle and wrist chains. He was read his rights but wasn't required to enter a plea.
Magistrate Judge Terence Kemp scheduled a Thursday morning bond hearing.
Daniels' court-appointed attorney declined to comment.
