Posted at: 11/24/2009 10:55 AM

Minnesota Man Pleads Not Guilty to Terror Charges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A 24-year-old St. Anthony man has pleaded not guilty to terror-related charges in connection with the disappearances of as many as 20 young Somali men who left the Twin Cities to fight with terrorists in Somalia.

Omer Abdi Mohamed entered his plea Tuesday during an arraignment in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis. He is among 14 men implicated in the federal investigation - possibly the largest involving alleged terror activity in America aimed at a conflict overseas.

He was indicted last week on counts of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim or injure.

Mohamed is released on bond. His attorney, Peter Wold, says Mohamed has absolutely no connection with terrorists. A trial date has not been set.