A former U.S. Marine Corps reservist from Irvine was sentenced on Monday, Mov. 27, to three years and 10 months in prison for lying to the FBI about communicating with someone who had expressed interest in joining a foreign terrorist organization in an online chat group.
Jason Fong, now 27, was initially accused of trying to help two foreign terrorist organizations, including by allegedly providing information on how to make chemical weapons and bombs.
Federal prosecutors, at the time of Fong’s indictment in early 2022, accused him of compiling and providing tactical, combat and weapons-training materials, along with information on how to make chemical weapons, booby traps and improvised-explosive devices, to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a terrorist organization in Syria.
He was also accused of trying to provide support — in the form of fundraising and money — to the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing.
Fong was accused of communicating with a minor who wanted to join Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, as well as an undercover law enforcement officer posing as an extremist who wanted to travel to Syria to take part in “violent jihad,” according to court filings.
At the time of his indictment, Fong’s attorney’s argued that the case was a “manufactured plot” by law enforcement. He got caught up in a five-month undercover sting operation overseen by the FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, according to defense filings.
Fong ultimately agreed to plead guilty to making false statements involving international terrorism, admitting that he lied to a federal officer by initially denying having had contact with anyone who had expressed interest in joining a foreign terrorist organization.
The charges directly involving Fong allegedly trying to provide support to the organizations were dropped.
Fong, during comments at his sentencing hearing at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana, said he had been driven by “grandiose thinking” and apologized to his family and for breaking his Marine oath.
“I not only brought dishonor to my family, but also that oath,” Fong said.
U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter — a Marine who earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam — complimented Fong for his comments, his conduct since his arrest and his “efforts to better yourself through education.”
“On the other hand, I just don’t understand how you could betray your oath to the Marine Corps and the country,” Judge Carter said. “I want you to know that. I don’t know how you can support a terrorist organization. I want you to know that.”
The judge also told Fong that he was concerned about weapons that were found at his home, particularly an AR-15-type assault rifle that was racked on the side of his bed and a loaded hand gun found under a pillow on his bed as well as body armor and a gas mask.
Rather than having Fong immediately taken into custody, Judge Carter allowed him to remain free for the holidays, requiring he surrender to begin his prison sentence in early January.