Title: Woman from Irondequoit Arrested for Allegedly Supporting Foreign Terrorist Organization
A woman from Irondequoit, New York, named Catherine Beth Washburn, was arrested by the Justice Department for allegedly attempting to provide financial support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Washburn is associated with the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist group that engages in violent actions against entities linked to Israel. The arrest was made following an investigation by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Washburn faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn communicated with an individual claiming to be a PIJ fighter in Gaza and sent cryptocurrency to support their activities. She expressed support for violence against Israeli civilians and hatred towards Jews. The FBI recovered electronic messages between Washburn and the individual discussing PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. Washburn made numerous transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately $30,116 to the individual's account.
Washburn appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was detained pending further proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York and the Department of Justice's National Security Division. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force led the investigation into Washburn's alleged support for a foreign terrorist organization.
The charges against Washburn are serious and highlight the FBI's commitment to identifying and stopping individuals who provide financial support to terrorist organizations. The investigation into Washburn's activities underscores the risks associated with aiding extremist groups and the potential consequences of such actions. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect the safety and security of the American people.