Judge Orders Release of 'Newburgh Four' and Accuses FBI of Targeting Innocent Individuals

Three men convicted in a post-9/11 terrorism sting, known as the "Newburgh four," have been ordered to be released from prison by a judge who criticized the FBI for their role in radicalizing the men and accused them of "trolling for terrorists." The judge deemed their sentences "unduly harsh and unjust" and granted their request for compassionate release, stating that the men were "hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals" caught up in a scheme driven by overzealous FBI agents and a questionable informant. The judge reduced their 25-year mandatory minimum sentences to time served plus 90 days. The fourth man is expected to complete his sentence in 2030. Defense lawyers raised questions about entrapment, arguing that the informant manipulated the men.