FBI Investigating Professor at Kent State over Possible Ties to ISIS

The FBI has opened an investigation into an associate professor at Kent State University in Ohio for potential ties to the Islamic State, the terrorist group that is also known as ISIS and ISIL.

The FBI has stated that it will not comment on the case "because this is an ongoing investigation," CBS News' Paula Reid reported. Reid added that the Bureau has open investigations related to ISIS in all 50 states.

The investigation into Julio Pino was brought to light after the FBI began interviewing some of the students with the school's newspaper. According to the editor of the Kent Stater/Daily Kent Stater, Emily Mills, the FBI interviewed her to ask about the stories she wrote on Pino months ago and to get more information on the professor.

According to officials involved with the case, reported by CBS affiliate WOIO, Pino is also being accused of attempting to recruit his students to join ISIS. Pino has denied all allegations and said that he does not agree with the ISIS and its ideologies. P

He said to Kent State student media, "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 laws that I'm aware of or that anyone has informed me of."

University President Beverly Warren tweeted that "there is no threat to our campus." Warren added that the University is working with the FBI.

Pino, who is a Cuban-born convert to Islam, teaches two history classes that are focused on Latin America. Pino, who has reportedly been on the FBI's radar since 2014, has made several controversial comments, including anti-Israel rhetoric, in the past.

Charges are not expected to be filed against him within the near future.