Chicago man pleads guilty to terror plots

A Chicago man charged in two international terror plots, including the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India, has pleaded guilty to 12 counts against him and will not face a trial.



David Headley pleaded guilty yesterday in a federal court in Chicago to 12 federal terrorism charges.



He could have faced the death penalty if convicted, but in exchange for his guilty plea and cooperation, the US government removed the punishment.



Authorities say he scouted out targets for the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed more than 160 people and planned an attack on a Danish newspaper that published cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.



Headley, who was born in Washington, has agreed to cooperate with the government and testify before a grand jury.



According to sentencing guidelines included in the plea agreement released yesterday, Headley is expected to serve a life sentence in prison.



However, the Justice Department says he will not be sentenced until after the conclusion of his cooperation.