Street gang leader charged with attempting to aid the Islamic State

Dirksen Federal Courthouse

An alleged street gang leader in west suburban Bellwood has been charged with attempting to provide financial support to the Islamic State, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Jason Brown, also known as “Abdul Ja’Me,” allegedly gave $500 cash three times to a person working confidentially with law enforcement. Brown, 37, understood the money would be wired to an ISIS soldier engaged in active combat in Syria, according to the feds.

The purported ISIS fighter was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, prosecutors said.

Brown, of Lombard, was arrested Thursday and is expected in court for a detention hearing Nov. 21. Brown is allegedly the leader of the AHK street gang in Bellwood, which is made up of former members of other gangs.

In this still image from a video-recording made by a federal informant meeting with Jason Brown in August, Brown holds $500 in cash and allegedly says, “Allah Knows.”

Six other alleged AHK members or associates have also been arrested on federal drug charges, and an arrest warrant has been issued for a seventh.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.