Man behind US terrorism plot against Jewish targets gets 16 years

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
One of four men accused of founding a terrorist group that plotted attacks on Jewish and military targets in California was sentenced Friday to 16 years in prison. Kevin James, 32, pleaded guilty in 2007 to conspiracy to wage war against the United States. Prosecutors had sought an 18-year prison term, but US District Judge Cormac Carney said he decided on a lighter sentence after being convinced that James was remorseful. Carney said James, a former gang member who had spent most of his life in prison, had completed college-level classes while in jail awaiting trial and had sent the judge "the most powerful letter I've ever received." James's letter promised: "My country need never fear from me again." The judge, however, rejected a defense request for 10 years to 12 years.