Derrick Shareef facts for kids
Derrick Shareef, also known as Talib Abu Salam Ibn Shareef, was found guilty of planning a serious crime related to terrorism. He was accused of trying to trade stereo speakers for dangerous items like handgrenades and a handgun. This was part of a plan to cause fear among shoppers at the CherryVale Mall in Rockford, Illinois. Shareef, who was living in Genoa, Illinois, was arrested by FBI agents in Rockford on December 6, 2006.
Shareef was charged with trying to damage or destroy a building using fire or an explosion. He was also charged with trying to use a very dangerous type of weapon. For this second charge, he could have faced a very long time in prison.
Derrick Shareef was born in 1984. His mother was Margaret Ann "Marie" Dunn. He grew up mostly in Georgia before his family moved to Illinois. He has an older brother named Marvin Dunn and a younger sister named Christina Shareef.
Shareef joined the Nation of Islam faith. He was influenced by a secret agent to change his plans from harming a judge to a bigger plan to cause trouble during Christmas.
The Court Case and Sentence
On November 28, 2007, Shareef admitted he was guilty of planning to use dangerous items against people and places. Even though he pleaded guilty, Shareef said he didn't mean to hurt anyone. He felt pressured and tricked into his actions. Federal investigators did not find any links between Shareef and well-known terrorist groups.
On September 30, 2008, U.S. District Judge David Coar gave Shareef a 35-year prison sentence. Judge Coar said he didn't believe Shareef was an evil person. However, he explained that a long sentence was needed because of how serious the plans were. This was also to help keep the public safe.
Where is he now?
Derrick Shareef was first held at FCI Greenville, which is a federal prison. Later, he was moved to FCI Milan, another federal prison, where he is currently serving his sentence as of 2024.
