Making False Statements to the FBI
When Molloy arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport on October 20, 2024, he encountered FBI agents who questioned him about his activities overseas. Prosecutors claim Molloy made two key false statements that day:
- He denied having any “current or future plans” to become involved with Hizballah.
- He insisted he had no specific business in Syria, nor was he meeting anyone there.
Both assertions, prosecutors say, were knowingly false. They maintain that he had traveled to Syria precisely to further his efforts to join the terrorist group and that he had, in fact, arranged to meet someone there about potentially enlisting with Hizballah.
The Legal Implications
If convicted, Molloy faces:
- Up to 20 years for attempting to provide material support to a designated FTO.
- Up to 8 years for each false statement charge.
- The possibility of a $250,000 fine for each false statement count.
Federal sentencing guidelines generally allow judges leeway, but the maximum penalties are stark reminders of how seriously the U.S. justice system treats alleged terrorist activity.
