A Lombard teenager whom prosecutors say scoped out a Glendale Heights Islamic center and secretly recorded services as part of an alleged attack plan has been sentenced to 30 months of probation, avoiding an adult prison term. The case, which began with high-profile charges last summer, has now wrapped up in juvenile court.
How prosecutors say the plan unfolded
Prosecutors allege the 16-year-old entered the Islamic Education Center in Glendale Heights on July 4, 2025, and recorded religious services to figure out where to detonate an explosive. They say he was later found concealing a handgun on July 12. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with one count of attempted terrorism, a Class 1 felony, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, a Class 4 felony, as outlined in a press release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Sentence and court details
According to court records and prosecutors, the teen was sentenced last week to 30 months of probation, keeping the case in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, the disposition was entered last Thursday and closes a case that first drew public attention when charges were filed in July 2025.
Officials say the plot was foiled
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the allegations "extremely serious" and praised the coordination between federal and local law enforcement for preventing what prosecutors said could have been a tragedy. According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros and the FBI’s Chicago field office also credited the multiagency response for disrupting the alleged plot.
Community reaction and earlier coverage
Local Muslim leaders and congregants were shaken when the arrest was first reported, urging vigilance at houses of worship and expressing relief that no one was harmed. Earlier coverage of the July charges, including the chilling terror plot allegations detailed by community advocates and CAIR, described how frightening the alleged plan was for the congregation.
What’s next
Prosecutors reminded the public that the petition contains only charges and that the juvenile is presumed innocent while the legal process continues, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Officials did not immediately release additional details about motive, the juvenile’s identity, or whether the probation includes counseling or other specific conditions.
