American who ran Kabul jail also a swindler

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – An American arrested in Afghanistan for abusing inmates in a private jail he set up in Kabul spent three years in federal prison himself for a fraud conviction.

Jonathan Keith Idema, of Fayetteville, was also ordered to repay the 60 companies he swindled out of more than $200,000 in goods.

Idema was one of three Americans and four Afghans who were taken into custody by Afghan authorities, who assert the seven were on a self-appointed counterterrorism mission that included hanging the eight prisoners by their feet.

Afghan officials dismissed Idema’s claims that he was a “special adviser” to their security forces. The U.S. government also disavowed any connection with the men.

In North Carolina, Idema was accused a decade ago of setting up a fake business, United Manufacturing Co., to get supplies for a financially troubled business, Idema Combat Systems. Companies were never paid for the goods. Idema Combat Systems made vests, pouches and other lightweight gear for the military and industry.

He was convicted in 1994 of 58 counts of using telephones and fax machines to commit fraud, and conspiracy. Idema contended the scam was undertaken by his employees.