Man Charged With Obstructing Investigation Into Boston Marathon Bombings

A Quincy, Massachusetts man has been charged with obstructing the investigation into the Boston Marathon bombings.

Khairullozhon Matanov, 23, is charged with with one count of destroying, altering, and falsifying records, documents and objects in a federal investigation, specifically information on his computer, and three counts of making false statements in a federal terrorism investigation, according to a press release issued Friday morning by U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.

It is alleged that after photos were released of the suspected bombers on April 18, 2013, Matanov realized the FBI would want to talk to him because of his connection to Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Matanov allegedly took steps to impede the investigation into the extent of his friendship and communication with the suspects. The statement says he also "shared the suspected bombers’ philosophical justification for violence." In addition, he is accused of making a number of false statements to investigators and deleting personal information form his computer.

According to the press release, "The indictment does not charge Matanov with participating in the Marathon bombings or knowing about them ahead of time."

The press release also states, "The maximum sentence for the count of destruction of evidence is 20 years in prison and eight years for each false statement count. All four counts also carry a maximum of three years  of supervised release and a fine of $250,000."

Matanov will be in court Friday at 2 p.m. for an initial appearance.

For up-to-the-minute news and weather, be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Copyright NECNMIGR - NECN
Contact Us