Jihad Jane has local ties

MEGAN GRAY

FERRIS – A past resident of Ferris has been charged conspiring with jihadist fighters and pledging to commit murder in the name of a Muslim holy war, or jihad last Tuesday, March 9.

Terry LaRose, nicknamed "Jihad Jane" was known to help recruit and finance Muslim terrorists, eventually moving overseas to try and kill an artist LaRose felt was a threat to Islam, previously received two misdemeanor arrests in Ferris.

Lars Vilks was a Swedish cartoonist who apparently had angered Muslims by depicting the Prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog according to the Associated Press.

Cecil Wilkinson, LaRose’s father, was a resident of Ferris for over 15 years before passing away on April 5, 2005.

Ferris Police Investigator Sam Love confirmed the arrest charges for public intoxication in Feb. 2001 and April 2002 for LaRose.

LaRose is scheduled to appear in court March 18 on the indictment.