Alaska couple expected to plead guilty to domestic terrorism charges

Alaska couple to plead guilty to terrorism charges

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An Alaska couple is expected to plead guilty Wednesday in federal court to charges involving domestic terrorism.

Prosecutors say Paul Rockwood, Jr., also known as “Bilal,” converted to Islam about a decade ago and began studying the teachings of American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who has professed hatred for the United States and supports terrorism.

Prosecutors say by early this year, Rockwood had created a hit list of individuals targeted for revenge and gave it to his wife, Nadia Rockwood.

The list was subsequently obtained by the FBI. Both Rockwood and his wife are charged with lying about the list and making false statements about domestic terrorism. Under a plea deal, Rockwood is expected to get eight years in prison and his wife five years probation.