Ex-police officer again gets 15 years on terror conviction

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A former police officer caught in a sting trying to help the Islamic State by purchasing $200 in gift cards for them will serve 15 years in prison, even though some of his convictions were tossed out on appeal.

Nicholas Young of Fairfax, Virginia, was sentenced to 15 years last year for obstruction of justice and attempting to provide support to a terrorist group.

A federal appeals court tossed out the obstruction convictions and ordered a new sentencing hearing. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema reimposed the 15 year term, saying Young's conduct remains troubling.

His lawyers had hoped his sentence would be cut to five years.

Young was the first law enforcement officer charged with a federal terrorism offense. He patrolled the D.C. region's Metrorail system.