RCFL: Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory

6/15/10: "Jihad Jane" Trial Postponed

The Philadelphia RCFL (PHRCFL) is supporting the federal investigation of Colleen LaRose, aka "Jihad Jane," and Jamie Paulin-Ramirez, 31. Ms. LaRose was arrested in Philadelphia on October 15, 2009 and indicted on March 4, 2010. She was charged in federal court with conspiring to aid terrorists, conspiring to kill someone overseas, lying to the FBI, and stealing her ex-boyfriend's passport. She also denied using the screen name “Jihad Jane” and sending email messages soliciting money for jihadist causes. Ms. Ramirez, who Ms. LaRose allegedly recruited, was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists—both women plead not guilty.

The two are only a handful of U.S. women ever charged with terrorism. Ms. LaRose’s trial was set to begin on May 3, 2010, but the judge declared the case “complex” and postponed the trial to give her attorney more time to prepare. Ms. LaRose faces a possible life sentence and a $1 million fine, while Ms. Ramirez faces 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The women are suspected of plotting the murder of Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who angered Muslims by drawing the prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog. According to a press release issued by the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, a superseding indictment charged that Ms. LaRose and Ms. Ramirez traveled to and around Europe with the intent to live and train with jihadists. On September, 12, 2009, the day Ms. Ramirez arrived in Europe with her child in tow, the indictment alleges she married an unindicted co-conspirator whom she had never before met in person.

The PHRCFL will continue supporting the ongoing investigation.

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