Judge lets stand terror group case against U.S. woman
PHILADELPHIA -- A federal judge has let stand the case against a Philadelphia woman accused of plotting to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Syria.
Thirty-year-old Keonna Thomas was arrested in April and charged with attempting to provide material support for a foreign terrorist organization. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities allege that she was preparing to fly to Spain with hopes of reaching Syria.
CBS News previously reported that authorities said she communicated with an ISIS fighter in Syria who asked if she wanted to be part of a martyrdom operation. She told the fighter that the opportunity "would be amazing," according to the documents.
Defense attorneys argued that the charge violated her rights to freedom of speech and association and was improper for other legal reasons.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that a federal judge rejected the arguments Wednesday and said the case should be decided at trial.