Story by Gianna
In a three-week trial, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, sisters Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj along with Subhanah’s husband Lucas Morton were all found guilty in providing materials to support terrorists, and also conspiring to murder an officer of the United States. In addition, Hujrah Wahhaj, Subhanah Wahhaj, and her husband Lucas Morton were also convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in the death of a child.
In a plea agreement, a fifth defendant, Jany Leveile, ended up pleading guilty to conspiracy to provide material to support a terrorist group. Levelie pleaded guilty in possession of a firearm unlawfully. Public Court records show in December 2017, Sirjai Wahhaj kidnapped a three year old son from his wife who was then residing in Alabama. The defendants had the belief the child was Jany Levelie’s son, and was actually possessed by demons. The child was unlawfully taken to New Mexico, where he was deprived of medication and his mother. In Mexico, the boy was forced to undergo spiritual exorcisms. Unfortunately, the child died only 2 weeks after being brought to Mexico.
Levellie led the belief that the child would return as Jesus Christ, and would pass his judgment on corrupted US programs like the US military, the FBI, and other government formed institutions. It didn’t end there, Levellie also created a fortified military type base, which included a firing range. Levellie was armed with 11 firearms, including an AR-15 Bushmaster assault rifle and high capacity magazines. Levelie taught military tactics to his following, which included children. Specifically his followers were told to kill those that disagreed with their message and belief.
August 3, 2018, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office –Tactical Special Response Team, was granted a search warrant on the compound where Levellie and her group were located. Upon their arrival, Wahhaj was armed to defend the compound. Without any shots fired, Levelie was taken into custody. Thereafter, Federal officers would come to find the remains of the deceased child in an underground tunnel.
In Leveille’s plea agreement, she confessed about her and her co-conspirators. Levelie stated that they were supporting and providing materials to terrorist groups and planned to kill federal officers. Levellie also knew she was unlawfully in the United States, and was not allowed to possess any firearms. The four remaining defendants were ordered to stay in custody, pending sentence.
During the sentencing of Sirgai Hujrah, Shubahanah Wahhah, and Lucas Morton, are each expected to face life in prison. In exchange for Leveille’s confession, she only faces a maximum of 17 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque field office investigated this case with the help from the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of alcohol, tobacco, explosives, firearms, Taos County Sheriff’s Office, 8th Judicial District Attorney’s office, and New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance. Also with the assistance of U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Brawley and U.S. Attorney Tavo Hall for the District of New Mexico.
Trial Attorneys Jessica Joyce and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section were the prosecutors on the case.
