American soldier who sided with Islamic State terrorist group being transferred to New York

A Fort Stewart soldier who plotted to help ISIS attack U.S. Forces in the Middle East and kill U.S. military service members will have his hearings held at the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York.

During a hearing held Jan. 21 at the United States District Court of the Southern District of Georgia, Judge Christopher L. Ray, presented Cole James Bridges, a/k/a “Cole Gonzales,” with a summary of the two charges against him as written in a 29-page document.

Bridges was stationed at Fort Stewart at the time of his arrest.

Judge Ray explained that Bridges had a right to remain silent and the right to an attorney and informed Bridges that he is entitled to a preliminary hearing and that he could have it in the Southern District in New York as opposed to having it in Georgia. The Judge also said Bridges could request the hearings be transferred to United States District Court of the Southern District of Georgia, if he desired.

Bridges said he preferred to have the hearings in the Southern District of New York. Bridges is expected to be transported to New York by the U.S. Marshal’s Office.

Source: Coastal Courier