Air Force veteran guilty of trying to join ISIS

NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. Air Force veteran charged with trying to join the Islamic State group has been convicted in New York City.

The New York Times reports that the federal jury in Brooklyn returned its verdict Wednesday in the case against Tairod Pugh, of Neptune, New Jersey.

It was the first verdict to result from more than 70 cases the government has brought against U.S. citizens accused of trying to support the militant group. Some defendants across the country have pleaded guilty to charges.

During closing arguments Tuesday, defense lawyer Eric Creizman insisted Pugh had no ill intent when he flew to Turkey in January 2015.