A local imam who pleaded guilty to immigration fraud charges faces sentencing in federal court. Muhammad Masood is the former spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of New England's mosque in Sharon. The arrest of Masood and another local imam in November 2006 prompted an outcry from local Muslims who accused the government of charging the men simply because they are Muslim.
Masood is a citizen of Pakistan and has lived in the United States for about 20 years. He admitted lying to immigration officials after he applied to become a permanent U.S. resident in 2002. Federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of three years probation, with no prison time, when Masood is sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court. Masood's guilty plea could lead to his deportation. |