James Cromitie, convicted in 2010 for planning attacks on New York City synagogues and military planes, has been ordered released from prison by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. The judge criticized the FBI for manipulating Cromitie and three others, collectively known as the “Newburgh Four,” into the plot. McMahon had previously ordered the release of the other three group members.
The judge described the case as “notorious,” labeling the men as “hapless” petty criminals who were easily influenced by the government in a sting operation. Cromitie, identified as the ringleader, was portrayed as a small-time “grifter” who was broke and unemployed when enlisted by the FBI.
The FBI, through informant Shahed Hussain, had played a crucial role in the plot, providing fake bombs and promising substantial financial rewards for participation in the supposed “jihadist mission.” McMahon emphasized that the FBI “invented the conspiracy,” setting the targets and supplying the ordnance.
Cromitie’s lawyer hailed the judge’s decision as a vindication in what they consider a “tragic miscarriage of justice.” The four men were initially sentenced to 25 years in prison on terrorism charges. The recent order does not reverse Cromitie’s conviction but reduces his sentence to time served plus 90 days.
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