Man charged with supporting terror group pleads not guilty

CLEVELAND (AP) — A northeast Ohio man accused of trying to recruit people to join the Islamic State terror group has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in a Cleveland courtroom.

Thirty-eight-year-old Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi of Sheffield Lake entered his plea at a hearing Tuesday. No bond was set and he remains in federal custody. He pleaded not guilty to one count of supporting terrorism, two weapons-related charges and 25 counts related to marijuana sales.

Al-Ghazi was arrested June 19 after he tried to buy an assault rifle from an undercover FBI agent.

Authorities say Al-Ghazi, formerly Robert McCollum, pledged his support online to the Islamic State group and tried to recruit others to join the cause. A criminal complaint said his targeted recruits were FBI sources.