Introduction
Orlando, FL – October 4, 2025 — A 47-year-old Orlando man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during a terrorism-related investigation. The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist propaganda and the importance of truthful cooperation with counterterrorism efforts.
Sentencing and Conviction
U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza handed down the sentence against Islam Doci, who will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Doci had pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024, to making false statements to federal agents.
The court determined that Doci’s actions—both his online activity and his deliberate lies to investigators—demonstrated a clear intent to mislead and obstruct efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and propaganda networks.
Support for ISIS Activities
According to Doci’s plea agreement and evidence presented at sentencing, he was actively involved in promoting ISIS propaganda online, communicating with members of the terrorist organization, and sending money overseas in support of ISIS. Prosecutors also revealed that he helped facilitate funding from others, acting as a conduit for additional financial support to the group.
Among his posts, Doci shared extremist content glorifying terrorism. One post stated:
“If Islam is terrorism, then O God give me more of this terrorism until the day I die. If Islam is radicalism, then O God, give me more of this radicalism until the day I die.”
In communications with ISIS associates, Doci celebrated the killing of Americans and compared providing money to ISIS with being “at war.” Authorities said such actions reinforced and spread dangerous extremist ideology.
Lies to Federal Investigators
pite his activities, when questioned by the FBI on two separate occasions, Doci lied about his involvement with ISIS. Investigators emphasized that these lies hindered their ability to track support networks for the organization and potentially placed Americans at greater risk.
The Justice Department underscored that lying to federal investigators—especially in cases involving national security—constitutes a serious offense that undermines counterterrorism efforts.
FBI Statement
Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Division highlighted the case as a success for proactive counterterrorism enforcement:
“Protecting the American people from terrorist attacks is the FBI’s top priority. I commend the special agents and analysts in this investigation whose proactive efforts and agility prevented the spread of ISIS ideology.”
Officials stressed that the sentence reflects not only Doci’s direct support for ISIS but also his deliberate attempt to obstruct a terrorism investigation.
Prosecution and Investigation
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with oversight from its Tampa Division. Prosecutors included Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara M. Wick and Andrew J. Dixon, a trial attorney from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
They argued that Doci’s promotion of ISIS propaganda and financial assistance to the group made him an active supporter of a designated foreign terrorist organization, and that his lies to investigators compounded the danger.
Broader Context
The sentencing of Doci comes at a time when U.S. authorities continue to warn of online radicalization and financing networks that sustain extremist groups abroad. Federal officials have repeatedly noted that even limited financial contributions can strengthen terrorist organizations and prolong conflicts overseas.
The case also highlights how online propaganda plays a central role in recruitment and radicalization. By amplifying violent messages and celebrating the killing of Americans, individuals like Doci contribute to a cycle of extremism that federal agencies are working to disrupt.
