Hanover Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Support ISIS

22-year-old Michael Sam Teekaye faces up to 20 years in prison for planned terrorist activities.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 22-year-old Hanover, Maryland resident named Michael Sam Teekaye has pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources to the designated foreign terrorist organization ISIS. Teekaye told an undercover officer in 2023 about his plans to travel to Africa to join ISIS as a fighter, with a "Plan B" to attack Jewish people and supporters of Israel in the U.S. He was arrested at BWI Airport in 2024 while trying to board a flight to Turkey as part of his plan to eventually reach Somalia. Teekaye threatened to proceed with his plans after being released from prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the efforts by law enforcement to identify and stop individuals from traveling overseas to join designated terrorist organizations like ISIS. It also raises concerns about the radicalization of young people and the need for robust counterterrorism measures to prevent attacks on U.S. soil.

The details

According to the plea agreement, Teekaye's phone history included searches for ISIS terrorist attacks, how to wipe evidence from a phone, and information on extradition from Ethiopia. The agreement also alleged searches for specific Jewish and Israeli individuals and organizations in Howard County, as well as information on how to break into a home and escape murder. Teekaye also purchased range time and ammunition, which he called part of his "training".

  • In 2023, Teekaye told an undercover officer about his plans to join ISIS in Africa.
  • In October 2024, Teekaye was arrested at BWI Airport while trying to board a flight to Turkey as part of his plan to reach Somalia.

The players

Michael Sam Teekaye

A 22-year-old resident of Hanover, Maryland who pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources to ISIS.

Courtney Francik

Teekaye's attorney, a federal public defender.

Kelly Hayes

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, who stated that Teekaye "aspired to become an ISIS fighter to unleash attacks on the homeland" and that law enforcement "stopped Teekaye before he could harm anyone."

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What they’re saying

“I'll just do it here. You think 20 years is something? I'll be like 40 when I get out, then I'll just do it. I don't care. It will never stop,”

— Michael Sam Teekaye (Plea Agreement)

What’s next

Teekaye is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, where he faces up to 20 years in prison with a lifetime of supervised release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of robust counterterrorism efforts to identify and stop individuals from attempting to join or support designated terrorist organizations like ISIS, in order to prevent potential attacks on U.S. soil.