A Texas convert to Islam was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison Thursday for attempting to help al-Qaida.

Agents arrested Barry Bujol in May 2010 after he used fake identification papers to try to board a ship in Houston for travel to the Middle East.

Federal prosecutors say Bujol was carrying money, restricted military documents, and other materials he planned to turn over to al-Qaida.

Bujol denied having any ties to terrorist groups. He says federal agents entrapped him and that he only wanted to travel to the Middle East to strengthen his Muslim faith.