White Supremacist Leader Pleads Guilty to Pension Fraud After Allying with Al Qaeda
But Kreis, noted for his leadership position in the neo-Nazi group, Aryan Nations, and his belief that the events of Sept. 11 were perpetrated by the United States, was sought out by CNN sought for comment in 2005 on the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
“During an interview that was broadcast on national television, Kreis stated that he and members of his movement desired to join Al-Qaida in its Jihad against the United States government,” says Nettles.
And in the era of the USA Patriot Act, such statements earn immediate scrutiny.
After that statement, federal law enforcement ofricials began investigating whether Kreis was acting on such statements or providing support to Al-Qaida, Nettles said.
Financial records from Kreis’ bank accounts were obtained and analyzed. While they did not show support for the enemy, they did reveal that he had substantial unreported funds going into his bank accounts.
During 2005, for example, Kreis received approximately $33,669 from sources other than the VA, and he failed to report any of the money, said Nettles. In an eligibility report that he submitted to the VA on Aug. 29, 2006, Kreis stated that during 2005, he had no income from any source.
“This false report formed the basis for the crime to which Kreis pleaded guilty,” Nettles said.