A New Yorker who once pledged allegiance to the terror group ISIS and earned the nickname “Umm Nutella” now faces up to 70 years in federal prison. Sinmyah Ceasar’s shocking journey from Brooklyn to extremism has taken a grim turn after an appeals court rejected her original light sentence as “shockingly low.”
An Unusual Path to Extremism
Ceasar, 29, had initially been sentenced to just four years in prison in 2019 after pleading guilty to charges of providing material support to ISIS and obstructing justice. At the time, Judge Jack Weinstein believed she needed help, not harsh punishment, saying support for her education and mental health could “save her as a human being.” However, prosecutors argued that her crimes warranted a much stricter penalty, citing the severity of her actions.
“She almost immediately violated the terms of her release,” federal prosecutors said, detailing how Ceasar resumed contact with terrorist figures soon after her release from prison. She allegedly made calls to a Taliban supporter, solicited funds for an ISIS ally, and even lied to her probation officer about her social media activity.
Repeated Violations and an Attempt to Flee
Ceasar’s troubling behavior didn’t end there. In August 2021, after learning that her sentence would be revisited, she removed her ankle monitor and attempted to escape to Russia. Authorities eventually found her hiding in an auto body shop in New Mexico, further compounding her legal troubles.
Her supervised release was marked by flagrant violations, including engaging with extremist content online and contacting known terror supporters. Prosecutors noted she liked a social media post featuring the ISIS flag and sought to marry Fareed Mumuni, a convicted terrorist serving 25 years for plotting to attack an FBI agent.
A History of Escalating Defiance
Prosecutors have described Ceasar as a unique and persistent threat, with no parallel in other terrorism cases. “There is simply no other terrorism defendant who compares to the defendant’s history of recidivism,” they stated in court filings. They are now pushing for a sentence of 30 to 70 years, highlighting the ongoing danger Ceasar poses.
Despite pleading guilty again in 2022 for failing to appear in court, Ceasar’s defense team has argued for leniency. Her lawyer, Deirdre von Dornum, recently requested a delay in sentencing, citing concerns over the alleged violations of supervised release. The sentencing has now been rescheduled for February.
A Life Marked by Trauma
Ceasar’s defense has frequently pointed to her troubled past, including childhood trauma and PTSD, as mitigating factors. These issues, they argue, contributed to her radicalization. Yet, her continued defiance of court orders and apparent lack of remorse have made leniency a tough sell.
A Case That Captures Attention
Ceasar’s story is a cautionary tale of extremism, recidivism, and the challenges of balancing justice with rehabilitation. Her unusual nickname, “Umm Nutella,” has become a symbol of the surreal and disturbing reality of modern terrorism cases. As the court prepares to deliver its final judgment, this case underscores the complexities of addressing domestic radicalization and protecting public safety.
Prosecutors remain firm in their stance: “The defendant repeatedly violated court-ordered conditions.” For them, the message is clear—justice must be served, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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