A Philadelphia mom who investigators said was ready to leave her children, join the terrorist group ISIS and ultimately martyr herself, plead not guilty Thursday.
Keonna Thomas communicated with ISIS sympathizers using names including "YoungLioness" and "Fatayat Al Khilafah," according to federal prosecutors.
The 30-year-old mother of two had bought a ticket to leave the country. Prosecutors contend the only reason she didn't get on the plane was because federal agents served a search warrant at her home in the week leading up to her flight.
Thomas began communicating with a man who identified himself as a violent jihadi fighter in December of 2013, according to a criminal complaint. She talked with him about donating money "to the ISIS brothers" and traveling to get more money. Posts from her Twitter accounts also included statements about dying for the cause.
Thomas faces 15 years in prison if found guilty
