Man Sentenced To 15 Years After Bid To Join Terror Group

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A terrorist recruit from suburban Aurora was sentenced to the maximum 15 years in prison for attempting to join al-Qaida-affiliated fighters in the Middle East.

Abdella Ahmad Tounisi, 21, was sentenced on Thursday afternoon as several family members were in court.

The FBI arrested Tounisi in 2013 after he contacted undercover agents through fake extremist websites.

Tounisi pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. He faced a maximum 15-year prison sentence.

Tounisi will also be under supervised release for life after completing his sentence, which includes monitoring any and all communication/electronic devices and social accounts.

Both the prosecution and defense recommended a sentence of seven years, supervised release and community service. However, Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan handed down more to time to send a message to others who may consider committing such a serious crime.