Controversial Kent State University professor sentenced to five months in prison for lying to the FBI

A former Kent State University professor known for his anti-Israel views was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison, followed by five months' home detention, for lying to the FBI.

Julio Pino, 58, pleaded guilty in April to one count of making a false statement to law enforcement. The former professor has a history of making controversial statements in line with his Muslim faith and his anti-Israel views. Federal authorities have investigated him for inflammatory comments dating back to 2009, including statements made against President Barack Obama, Assistant U.S. Attorney Om Kakani said.

However, the criminal charge to which Pino ultimately pleaded stemmed from social media postings to a St. Louis man arrested in January 2016 for making threats toward a family court judge presiding over his child custody battle.

Pino apologized during his sentencing and said his decision to lie to agents "was borne out of confusion and fear."