Alleged ISIS sympathizer arrested in New Jersey

NEWARK (WABC) -- A New Jersey man accused of being an ISIS sympathizer was charged Thursday with conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, and the case is in direct relation to an arrest earlier this week in Queens.

Authorities say 21-year-old Samuel Rahamin Topaz, of Fort Lee, was taken into custody at his home on Wednesday. He is charged by complaint with one count of conspiring with others in New Jersey and New York to provide services and personnel to ISIL. He made his initial appearance Thursday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was remanded without bail.

"Providing fighters and resources to a terrorist organization like ISIL is a threat to our country and its citizens," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. "We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to disrupt the efforts of those who are trying to do harm at home and abroad."

Court records say he conspired with Munther Omar Saleh, who was arrested Saturday, and others.

Prosecutors said he was arrested at his home and made an initial court appearance in federal court in Newark. He was ordered held without bail. A defense attorney says Topaz will plead not guilty.

The count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.