Judge Rules The FBI Set Up Black Men In ‘Newburgh Four’ Case And Orders Release Of Convicted Man

Judge Colleen McMahon

A U.S. District Judge has ordered the release of James Cromitie, one of the men convicted in the infamous “Newburgh Four” case.

Judge Colleen McMahon cites manipulation by the FBI in a sting operation targeting the group.

The “Newburgh Four” garnered national attention in 2010 after being convicted of plotting to blow up New York City synagogues, a Jewish community center, and military planes.

However, Judge McMahon condemned the FBI’s tactics, describing the defendants as “hapless” and “easily manipulated” individuals.

Last July, Judge McMahon ordered the release of three other men in the group – Onta Williams, David Williams, and Laguerra Payen – and on Friday, she extended the order to James Cromitie, considered the ringleader by the government.

While the judge’s decision does not reverse the convictions, it calls for Cromitie’s sentence to be reduced to time served plus 90 days.

Cromitie’s lawyer hailed the ruling as:

“At least some kind of vindication for what we believe was a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

According to Judge McMahon, Cromitie was portrayed as a “grifter” who was enticed by FBI informant Shahed Hussain with promises of financial rewards for participating in the FBI-driven plot.

The judge criticized Hussain’s role, labeling him a “villain” and accusing the FBI of inventing the conspiracy and manufacturing the ordnance.

Hussain, tasked with infiltrating mosques to identify potential extremists, allegedly offered Cromitie substantial sums of money to orchestrate the jihadist “mission.”

The judge’s scathing rebuke of the FBI’s tactics underscores the controversial nature of the case and raises questions about the use of informants in counterterrorism operations.