West Virginia Man Admits to Role in Supporting Overseas Violence

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Bridgeport, West Virginia man has admitted to providing material support to an armed separatist group in Cameroon, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced today.

"We will not tolerate individuals who commit acts of violence abroad while enjoying the freedoms and safety of the United States," said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. "This conviction should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating similar crimes: we will find you, investigate, and bring you to justice."

Didimus Kimbi, also known as "Samba Ngala," 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support. According to the plea agreement, Kimbi supported a separatist group known as the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) for more than three years. The ADF sought to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure individuals in Cameroon. Kimbi provided financial support and acted as an intermediary between ground commanders-who supplied images and pricing for weapons-and another individual who approved the purchases. Kimbi also used information from ground commanders to prepare and transmit to ADF leadership written operational plans intended to cause harm. Read the District of Minnesota press release in another ADF case here.

As part of his plea agreement, Kimbi agreed to a sentencing enhancement for a federal crime of terrorism, increasing the potential penalties. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

Deputy Criminal Chief Jarod J. Douglas, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney Randolph Bernard, and the Justice Department's National Security Division Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe are prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation offices in Pittsburgh; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Washington, D.C.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.