Man Sentenced in Minnesota For Federal Drone Parts Case

Minneapolis (KROC AM News) – A man who was prosecuted in Minnesota on federal charges related to a terrorist group has been sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison. 

The US Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis says 55-year-old Usama Hamade was sentenced Monday.

US Attorney Erica H. MacDonald says Hamade, his brother, and another man conspired to export drone parts and technology to the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon without federal government approval. The exports were made from 2009 – 2011. 

The US Attorney’s office in Minneapolis was apparently assigned the case because some of the parts were manufactured by Minnesota-based Honeywell and some of the shipments passed through the state.

Hamade’s brother was sentenced earlier while the third man was still being sought at last report.

Hamade is described as a Lebanese national.

Former Mayo Clinic supervisor sentenced for large theft.