Georgia
Defendants in US terrorism and Georgia kidnapping case scheduled for sentencing – WABE
A U.S. judge is expected to hand down sentences Wednesday for five defendants in a federal terrorism and kidnapping case that stemmed from the search for a toddler who went missing from Georgia in late 2017 that ended months later with a raid on a squalid compound in northern New Mexico.
The sentencing hearing comes months after jurors convicted four of the family members in what prosecutors had called a “sick end-of-times scheme.” Each faces up to life in prison for their convictions.
Defense attorneys have indicated they plan to appeal.
The key defendant — Jany Leveille, a Haitian national — avoided being part of a three-week trial last fall by pleading guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and being in possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States. Under the terms of her plea agreement, she faces up to 17 years in prison.
Prosecutors said during the trial that it was under Leveille’s instruction that the family fled Georgia with the boy, ending up in a remote stretch of the high desert where they conducted firearms and tactical training to prepare for attacks against the government. It was tied to a belief that the boy would be resurrected and then tell them which corrupt government and private institutions needed be eliminated.
Some of Leveille’s writings about the plans were presented as evidence during the trial.
Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, the boy’s father and Leveille’s partner, was convicted of three terrorism-related charges. Wahhaj’s brother-in-law, Lucas Morton, also was convicted of terrorism charges, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and kidnapping that resulted in the boy’s death. Wahhaj’s two sisters — Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj — were convicted only on the kidnapping charges.
In a case that took years to get to trial, jurors heard weeks of testimony from children who had lived with their parents at the compound, other family members, firearms experts, doctors and forensic technicians. The defendants, who are Muslim, argued that federal authorities targeted them because of their religion.
Authorities raided the family’s compound in August 2018, finding 11 hungry children and dismal living conditions without running water. They also found 11 firearms and ammunition that were used at a makeshift shooting range on the property on the outskirts of Amalia near the Colorado state line.
The remains of Wahhaj’s 3-year-old son, Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj, were found in an underground tunnel at the compound. Testimony during the trial indicated that the boy died just weeks after arriving in New Mexico and that his body was kept for months with Leveille promising the others that he would be resurrected.An exact cause of death was never determined amid accusations that the boy, who had frequent seizures, had been deprived of crucial medication.
Georgia
Bengals “really comfortable” with background on Georgia WR Colbie Young
The Bengals used the final pick of the fourth round on Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young, who might have gone higher than No. 140 overall if not for an off-the-field red flag.
“I think Colbie is just an outstanding complement [to the receivers the Bengals have],” coach Zac Taylor said, via a livestream from the team. “Fortunate to get him in the fourth round. We obviously had a higher value on him than where we actually got him. I just think he’s a great target for Joe [Burrow], great catch radius. Can use him in a lot of different ways.”
Young missed nine games to end the 2024 season after his arrest on misdemeanor charges of battery and assault on an unborn child. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct in January 2025 after his accuser recanted her statement, and the initial charges were dropped.
Young served 12 months’ probation, paid a $500 fine and attended a family violence intervention program.
Taylor said the team did its “due diligence” and that “if we didn’t feel comfortable, we wouldn’t have done it.”
“Just talking to all the humans we talked to that really stood on the table for him, and Georgia returned him to play,” Taylor said. “So Georgia went through the whole process, returned him to play. So just felt really comfortable with the person we’re adding to our locker room, the person we’re adding to our community. Just all of us getting to know the kid. Just feel really, really comfortable with bringing Colbie in here.”
Young fractured his left fibula and tore a ligament, which required surgery and sidelined him for six games last season. He finished his final college season with 26 receptions for 358 yards and a touchdown.
Georgia
Steelers select Georgia CB Dalyen Everette in third round of 2026 NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette with the 85th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It is their second pick in the third round, using their first (No. 76 overall) on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.
Everette is one of the fastest players in the draft, running a 4.38 40 at the NFL Combine. Additionally, he had a RAS (Real Athletic Score) of 9.89/10. He had five interceptions in his career with the Bulldogs.
The Steelers’ cornerback room is now as deep as any in the NFL. Along with Joey Porter Jr, Pittsburgh re-signed Asante Samuel Jr and signed Jamel Dean in free agency. They also have Brandin Echols, who was productive in 2025. Everette now joins that group with the hopes of him becoming a solid contributor, but without the pressure of needing to get a big snap count right away.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Georgia
Ole Miss baseball vs Georgia opener postponed due to forecast, doubleheader planned
This story was updated to correct an error
OXFORD — The first game of Ole Miss baseball’s home series against Georgia has been postponed.
With rain the forecast for April 24, the decision was made to play a doubleheader on April 25 between the No. 18 Rebels (30-12, 10-8 SEC) and No. 5 Georgia (32-9, 13-5).
The first game will begin at 1 p.m. The second game will begin approximately 50 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Both games will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Tickets and parking for the postponed game on April 24 will be honored for the second game on April 25.
The series has major implications in the SEC. The Bulldogs are in first place in the SEC standings.
Hunter Elliott (4-1, 3.78 ERA) will start for the Rebels in the first game on April 25. He will face Georgia pitcher Joey Volchko (6-2, 3.75 ERA).
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
-
Minneapolis, MN1 minute agoFederal investigators looking into fatal plane crash, according to officials
-
Indianapolis, IN7 minutes agoIndianapolis Colts Select Ohio State Defensive End Caden Curry in Sixth Round of 2026 NFL Draft
-
Pittsburg, PA13 minutes agoPittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: TE Riley Nowakowski
-
Augusta, GA19 minutes agoFree, inexpensive swim, lessons offered in Augusta, Aiken
-
Washington, D.C25 minutes agoSantana Moss hosts clinic for kids with disabilities in Southeast DC – WTOP News
-
Cleveland, OH32 minutes agoSeveral people injured in multi-vehicle crash on Cleveland’s West Side
-
Austin, TX37 minutes ago
Texas cooks up new rules for food trucks
-
Alabama44 minutes agoPackers draft Alabama CB in sixth round