Key Defendant in Child Kidnapping & Terrorism Case Pleads Guilty
In a shocking development, one of the key defendants in a terrorism and kidnapping case, connected to the search for a missing toddler, has pleaded guilty. The plea agreement for Jany Leveille was unsealed by a U.S. district judge, shedding light on the disturbing details of the case that unfolded in a squalid compound in northern New Mexico.
The trial, which lasted three weeks, resulted in the conviction of four other family members. Prosecutors described their actions as part of a sick end-of-times scheme. The family had fled Georgia with the missing boy and ended up in a remote desert area where they engaged in tactical training for alleged attacks against the government. Their twisted beliefs centered around the boy being resurrected as Jesus Christ, who would then guide them in eliminating corrupt institutions.
Leveille pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and being in possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States. Although she did not appear in court during the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of her writings outlining the family’s plans.
The boy’s father, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, and Lucas Morton were also convicted on terrorism charges, as well as conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in the boy’s death. Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj’s sisters, were convicted solely on the kidnapping charges.
The trial, years in the making, involved testimonies from the children who had lived at the compound, along with expert witnesses and forensic technicians. Throughout the proceedings, the defendants argued that they were targeted by federal authorities due to their Muslim religion.
The raid on the compound in August 2018 exposed the appalling conditions in which 11 malnourished children were found. The search also uncovered 11 firearms and ammunition that had been used at a makeshift shooting range on the property. Tragically, the remains of 3-year-old Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj, the missing boy, were discovered in an underground tunnel. Testimonies revealed that the child had died shortly after their arrival in New Mexico and that Leveille had falsely promised the others that he would be resurrected.
While the exact cause of Abdul-Ghani’s death could not be determined, concerns were raised regarding the withholding of vital medication for his frequent seizures.
As part of the plea agreement, Leveille could face up to 17 years in prison. The other defendants, who each face potential life sentences, will remain in custody until their sentencing dates are scheduled.
This harrowing case highlights the importance of uncovering and addressing cases of child kidnapping and terrorism. The guilty pleas should bring some measure of justice to the affected families, but the implications of this disturbing scheme will continue to reverberate for years to come. The hope is that lessons can be learned from this tragedy to prevent similar situations in the future.
