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Former Soldier In Terrorism Case Pleads Not Guilty

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A former U.S. Army soldier accused of trying to provide support to a terrorist organization in Somalia after he left the military has pleaded not guilty.

Maryland resident Craig Baxam appeared in federal court in Greenbelt on Friday.

He is accused of leaving the United States for Somalia in December with the intention of joining the terrorist group
al-Shabaab there. He was stopped in Kenya before reaching Somalia and questioned by the FBI.

He has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to al-Shabab and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Baxam joined the Army in 2007 and spent time in Iraq and South Korea.

His lawyer declined to comment.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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