Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh, an Air Force veteran, has been charged by the Justice Department for attempting to travel to Syria and join the ranks of the Islamic State.

Pugh, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn yesterday on two charges: attempting to provide material support to terror organization, and obstruction and attempted obstruction of an official proceeding.

The U.S. Air Force veteran allegedly flew to Turkey in January of this year to attempt to cross into Syria, where ISIS has long based their operations; Turkish authorities refused him entry into the country. After being deported back to the United States, ABC News reports, Pugh was arrested by the FBI:

On his laptop, FBI agents discovered that he had been viewing ISIS propaganda online and conducting online searches for such phrases as "borders controlled by Islamic state," "kobani border crossing," and "who controls kobani," according to prosecutors.

In addition, the FBI recovered two of Pugh's backpacks, which allegedly contained two compasses, a solar-powered flashlight, a solar-powered power source, a fatigue jacket and camping clothes.

Pugh also allegedly searched online for the ISIS video "Flames of War," a 55-minute piece of propaganda that even the FBI highlighted late last year when asking "for the public's help identifying individuals who have traveled—or are planning to travel—overseas to engage in combat alongside terrorist organizations."

According to the Department of Justice, Pugh worked on plane engines during his time in the Air Force:

As alleged in the complaint, indictment and other court filings, the defendant served in the Air Force as an avionics instrument system specialist and received training in the installation and maintenance of aircraft engine, navigation and weapons systems. After leaving the Air Force, the defendant worked for a number of companies in the United States and Middle East as an avionics specialist and airplane mechanic. The defendant lived abroad for over a year before his arrest in this case.

He faces a maximum 35 years in prison if convicted. His attorney told CNN that his client intends to plead not guilty.

[Image via AP]