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Print This StoryInvestigators Look Into Finances Of Local Muslim Cleric
Damra Faces Charges Of Tax Evasion, Money Laundering, Mail Fraud
UPDATED: 7:12 am EDT May 13,
2004
CLEVELAND -- A local Muslim cleric accused of hiding terrorist ties now has federal investigators looking into his finances.
Federal prosecutors are checking the financial records of Fawaz Mohammed Damra, 41. It could lead to charges of tax evasion, money laundering, and mail and wire fraud, NewsChannel5 reported. Damra, the leader of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, is also accused of concealing terrorist ties on his U.S. citizenship application. Prosecutors revealed the financial investigation while explaining to a judge how they plan to use evidence seized in a search of Damra's Strongsville home in January. Damra's lawyers want the judge to exclude the evidence seized from the cleric's home. If convicted in the trial scheduled to begin June 15, Damra could lose his citizenship and be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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Imam Damrah Interview Previous Stories:
- March 7, 2004: Mosque Assembly Vote To Keep Imam
- February 25, 2003: Local Imam Accused Of Having Ties To Terrorists
- June 3, 2002: Man Found Not Guilty For Attacking Imam
- December 9, 2001: Christian Protesters Criticize Imam, Islamic Faith
- December 5, 2001: Controversial Imam To Keep Job For 2 More Years
- November 20, 2001: Imam Opens Up To NewsChannel5's Ted Henry
- October 4, 2001: Jewish Community Meets To Talk About Imam's Comment
Copyright 2005 by NewsNet5. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
