KANSAS CITY -- A date in 2009 has been set for former Southwest Michigan Congressman Mark Siljander to stand trial on charges in connection with an alleged international terrorism ring.
U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey, of the Western District of Missouri, signed an order last month setting a trial date of Nov. 2, 2009, for Siljander and other defendants in the case involving the Islamic American Relief Agency.
Siljander was indicated in January on charges of money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. The government alleges the agency used stolen money to pay Siljander for lobbying efforts and that Siljander lied to federal investigators.
Prosecutors say the organization aided a terrorist with ties to al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
Siljander has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer has said Siljander "vehemently denies" the charges.
Siljander, 57, formerly of St. Joseph County, represented portions of Southwest Michigan in the old 4th Congressional District from 1981-87. He now lives in Great Falls, Va.
U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey, of the Western District of Missouri, signed an order last month setting a trial date of Nov. 2, 2009, for Siljander and other defendants in the case involving the Islamic American Relief Agency.
Siljander was indicated in January on charges of money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. The government alleges the agency used stolen money to pay Siljander for lobbying efforts and that Siljander lied to federal investigators.
Prosecutors say the organization aided a terrorist with ties to al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
Siljander has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer has said Siljander "vehemently denies" the charges.
Siljander, 57, formerly of St. Joseph County, represented portions of Southwest Michigan in the old 4th Congressional District from 1981-87. He now lives in Great Falls, Va.
Source: Kalamazoo Gazette
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