AKRON, Ohio -- A jury found Imam Fawaz Mohammed Damra guilty Thursday of lying about alleged ties to terrorist groups, reported NewsChannel5's Tracy Carloss.

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Damra Verdict Imam Damra Interview Islamic Cleric In Court

The panel deliberated for about four hours after two days of testimony from prosecution witnesses.

Lawyers for Damra decided not to call any witnesses, appearing confident that the prosecutors failed to prove their case.

Carloss reported that Damra remained emotionless while the verdict was read.

However, his supporters, who were gathered both inside and outside the courtroom, were very emotional and outspoken in their support and disappointment in the decision.

The jury, made up of eight women and four men, did not speak as they left the courthouse, and neither did Damra, reported Carloss.

Prosecutors claimed that when Damra applied for citizenship, he concealed ties to Afghan Refugee Services, the Islamic Committee for Palestine and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, groups the government classifies as terrorist organizations.

Prosecutors said they consider the guilty verdict a victory in the war on terror.

Damra's attorney, John Cline, said he will continue the fight to exonorate his client.

During the trial, the defense asked Judge James Gwin to acquit Damra on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

Gwin said he would consider it after the jury reached its verdict, and he now has 15 days to make a decision.

The Palestinian-born Damra leads Ohio's largest mosque, the Islamic Center of Cleveland, located in Parma.

Damra could face up to five years in prison, $5,000 in fines and deportation.

Gwin set sentencing for Sept. 9 and allowed Damra to remain free on bond.