Mufid Elfgeeh, 42, was convicted by a federal jury in London for attempted murder, according to an announcement on April 29. The conviction followed a two-day trial regarding an incident at United States Penitentiary McCreary.
Elfgeeh is currently serving a 270-month sentence for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. During his incarceration, prison staff observed Elfgeeh attacking his cellmate with an improvised weapon after being denied a request for a private cell. Authorities said he stabbed the victim at least 30 times and ignored repeated commands to stop. Staff used OC spray, vapor grenades, foam batons, pepper balls, and hornet nest munitions in attempts to halt the assault before ultimately breaching the cell with protective gear and restraining him.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Field Office jointly announced the conviction. "The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt," they said.
Elfgeeh is scheduled for sentencing on September 1 and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky enforces federal laws and prosecutes criminal cases according to its official website. The office also addresses issues such as drug abuse prevention and elder protection through community initiatives according to its official website. It works with federal, state and local agencies on programs like the Elder Justice Task Force and Heroin Education Action Team according to its official website.
Several early U.S. Attorneys for Kentucky have held notable positions including seats on the Supreme Court or as governor according to historical information from its official site. The office functions under the Department of Justice according to its official website and serves communities across eastern Kentucky as described online. Its origins date back to enactment under the Judiciary Act of 1789 as reported by its official site.
