Feds: Army deserter who supported ISIS faces gun charges

SEATTLE (AP) – Federal prosecutors say a Washington state Army deserter who made statements supporting Islamic State fighters has been charged with illegally possessing firearms, including a machine gun.

They say Daniel Seth Franey was barred from having guns because he was subject to a protection order taken out by his former partner, but he nevertheless had several weapons.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, several residents complained to police that the 33-year-old from Montesano was talking about supporting the Islamic State and advocating the killing of U.S. troops overseas.

Franey, also known as Abu Dawuud, was due to appear in federal court Monday afternoon.

The Department of Justice reports that Franey was captured on audio attempting to acquire firearms, including AK-47s, and discussing what he thought were good targets for an attack. He repeatedly expressed his support for the Islamic State.

In addition, Franey handled several firearms between September and November 2015, according to the justice department.

He has been charged with three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and two counts of unlawful possession of machine guns. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the justice department.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 12:34 PM with the headline "Feds: Army deserter who supported ISIS faces gun charges."