Accused Morganton terrorist to remain in custody

ASHEVILLE – A 19-year-old Morganton man who law officers said threatened to carry out terrorist activities appeared in federal court Thursday morning, where a magistrate judge found probable cause in the case.

Justin Nojan Sullivan, 19, was arrested last month on federal charges related to an attempt to provide material support to the Islamic State terrorist group and possession of a silencer.

Sullivan, handcuffed, appeared in orange slippers and wore the orange and white striped jail uniform of the Madison County jail, where he is currently being housed.

He appeared before Judge Dennis Howell for two hearings, probable cause and detention. Howell ruled the case would move forward and that Sullivan would remain in custody without bond.

As part of the probable cause hearing, Sullivan's appointed attorney, Fredilyn Sison, cross examined Corey Zachman, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Zachman testified that area agents were alerted to Sullivan by the Washington D.C. field office, and soon after, placed him under constant surveillance.

According to a criminal complaint, an undercover agent learned Sullivan planned to buy a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle at a June 20 gun show in Hickory and planned to kill United States citizens.

Law officers arrested him on the eve of that gun show, Zachman testified, because they believed he might harm his parents based on text messages exchanged with the undercover agent.

Sullivan was living with his parents and 911 had been called at least three times regarding conflicts between the father and son, Zachman said.

In one April call, Sullivan's father called emergency operators, saying, "I don't know if it is ISIS or what, but he (Sullivan) is destroying Buddhas, and figurines, and stuff."

His father said Sullivan poured gasoline on some items to burn them and told the dispatcher, "I mean, we are scared to leave the house."

His parents appeared at the hearing, but declined comment.

In conversations with an undercover agent, Sullivan said he was familiar with ISIL's social media efforts and told the officer: "I liked IS from the beginning then I started thinking about death and stuff so I became Muslim."

During the hearing, attorneys also briefly discussed a motion that was filed under seal and contains information that Michael Savage, an assistant U.S. attorney, described as "an ongoing investigation of a sensitive nature."

Details contained in that document are unavailable.