Photo and Story by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Domestic terror reached Alaska in a chilling case Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, US Department of Justice attorney Karen Loeffler announced that both Paul Rockwood, Jr. and his wife, Nadia Rockwood, pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in a domestic terrorism investigation. The investigation was conducted by the District of Alaska’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
Loeffler said Rockwood, 35, converted to Islam around 2001 and soon became an advocate of jihad promoting cleric Anwar Al – Awalaki. and began researching targets for execution.
Both Rockwoods moved to Alaska in 2006 and lived in King Salmon, although Loeffler would not comment on what they did to support themselves there. Loeffler said Nadia Rockwood, 36, was fully aware of her husband’s activities.
The hit list Loeffler refers to did not contain the names of any Alaskans.
Judge Ralph Beistline accepted the guilty pleas today. Loeffler said Paul Rockwood faces an eight-year prison sentence. His wife faces five years of probation. Due to the plea agreement, Nadia Rockwood, who holds dual citizenship, will be able to go back to England. Sentencing is set for August 23.
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