Authorities have detained and are in the process of questioning a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist. The suspect, Sharif Mobley, 26 of New Jersey, worked for several years as a laborer at multiple nuclear facilities, including Calvert Cliffs.

According to NRC Public Affairs Officer, Region I, Neil Sheehan of the NRC, “We can confirm that he was laborer at several nuclear power plants in the U.S. from 2002 to 2008. The plants included Calvert Cliffs; Salem/Hope Creek in New Jersey; and Peach Bottom, Limerick and Three Mile Island 1, all in Pennsylvania.

“Investigations are under way as to what level of access the individual was granted. However, a laborer typically would not have access to any security-related or sensitive information.”

Sheehan went on to state that before working at these facilities, an individual must be screened through the access authorization program, which involves background investigations, criminal history checks, drug testing, employment verification, psychological assessments and a verification of true identity.

“This program, in conjunction with each plant's behavior observation program, insider mitigation program and required employee training, comprises a comprehensive and ongoing process to maintain trustworthiness and reliability requirements for nuclear power plant workers,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan stated that with respect to the behavior observation program that all plant employees are provided with training on monitoring and reporting any suspicious behavior or activities.

The suspect, a Muslim, is thought to have stopped working as a contractor before he moved to Yemen. Mobley was arrested with 10 other al-Qaeda suspects. While in custody, Mobley suffered from some illness that required hospitalization. According to Yemen authorities, the suspect tried to escape by stealing a security guards weapon and killing him, but was apprehended before he could escape.