PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Kent State University professor is at the center of an FBI investigation after being accused of helping ISIS.

Authorities say he went as far as trying to recruit students for the terrorist group.

Dr. Julio Pino is an associate professor of history at Kent State University.

He teaches two classes this semester, but according to WOIO in Cleveland, Pino is being investigated for allegedly having ties to terrorism.

FBI sources say Pino has been on their radar since 2014 and he is accused of recruiting students to join ISIS.

In an interview with Kent State student media, Pino defended himself.

“I’ve not broken the law. I don’t advocate that anyone else break the law, so I’ll stand by that statement, that I fulfill my duties as an American citizen by speaking out on issues that some people find controversial of course, but no, I have not violated any U.S. laws that I’m aware of,” he said.

Pino went on to say he has never talked about ISIS in his classes.

He did however, encourage people to respect his freedom of speech.

“My current status is that I’m a citizen of the United States, with all the rights and obligations that entails. I follow the law, I advocate that others do so also,” Pino said.

During the interview, Pino claims he is not in any kind of criminal investigation.

As for the university, Emily Vincent, director of university media relations, released the following statement…

“Kent State is fully cooperating with the FBI. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment. The FBI has assured Kent State that there is no threat to campus.”

Pino started working at Kent State in 1992.

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