Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
An Orlando man was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Thursday for repeatedly lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during an international terrorism investigation linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Islam Doci, 47, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza, which will be followed by three years of supervised release. Doci had pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024, to making false statements regarding his support for the designated foreign terrorist organization.
Details of Doci’s Involvement
According to Doci’s plea agreement and evidence presented during his sentencing, he actively promoted ISIS propaganda online and maintained communications with members of the terrorist group. Doci also engaged in financial support for ISIS, personally sending money overseas and facilitating the provision of funds by others to the organization.
His online activities included sharing a post that declared, “If Islam is terrorism, then O God give me more of this terrorism until the day I die. If Islam is radicalism, then O God, give me more of this radicalism until the day I die.” In private online communications with his ISIS associates, Doci celebrated the killing of Americans and likened providing financial and other forms of support to ISIS to being at war. When interviewed by the FBI on two separate occasions regarding these activities, Doci knowingly made false statements about his involvement with and support of ISIS.
Law Enforcement Response
FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor emphasized the bureau’s commitment to national security. “Protecting the American people from terrorist attacks is the FBI’s top priority,” Fodor stated. “I commend the special agents and analysts in this investigation whose proactive efforts and agility prevented the spread of ISIS ideology.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was thoroughly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick and National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon were responsible for the prosecution, bringing Doci’s actions to justice.
Sentencing and Aftermath
The six-year prison sentence underscores the severe consequences for individuals who obstruct federal investigations into terrorism and provide support to designated foreign terrorist organizations. Doci’s conviction and sentencing highlight the ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to counter the spread of extremist ideologies and prevent financial aid from reaching groups like ISIS.
