AWOL Soldier Naser Abdo Indicted on Three Federal Charges for Fort Hood Scheme

AWOL soldier Pfc. Naser Jason Abdo has been indicted on three federal charges in connection with a plot to bomb Fort Hood soldiers in Texas.

He was indicted Tuesday on charges of possession of an unregistered destructive device, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by a fugitive from justice. The 21-year-old faces up to 10 years in prison on each charge if convicted.

Abdo was arrested two weeks ago at a Killeen motel near Fort Hood after a gun store clerk reported his suspicious behavior and purchases. Investigators said they found a handgun and ingredients for an explosive device in the motel room. He had asked strange questions about the copious amounts of gunpowder he was purchasing. He also arrived to the shop by cab.

Abdo was approved as a conscientious objector this year after citing his Muslim beliefs, but had it put on hold after being charged with possessing child pornography. He went absent without leave from Fort Campbell, Ky., last month.