Man accused of trying to join extremists found competent

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A psychologist says a Wisconsin man charged with trying to join the Islamic State militant group is competent to stand trial.

A federal magistrate in Madison has given Joshua Van Haften’s lawyer two weeks to contest the finding. Van Haften was charged last April with trying to cross from Turkey to Syria to join the group. The Madison native was arrested by Turkish authorities, released and taken into custody in Chicago where he underwent the mental competency exam.

Federal documents say Van Haften made multiple Facebook postings in which he expressed support for Islamic extremists.

The State Journal says the competency report was filed last month, but revealed during a status conference Wednesday.

Van Haften could face up to 15 years in prison if he’s convicted.