CHARLOTTE (AP) — A North Carolina man accused of trying to recruit people to join the Islamic State group says he had been paid by the FBI since 2009 to help identify potential terrorists.

In a statement his mother delivered to The Charlotte Observer (http://bit.ly/2b42fyx ), Erick Jamal Hendricks said his code name was “Ahkie,” a variation of the Muslim term for “brother.”

Hendricks also said he’s been outspoken against IS and all extremist groups. He added he’s baffled as to why the FBI accused him of terrorist ties.

Lisa Woods said her son dictated the statement to her in a Wednesday phone call from jail.

Hendricks was arrested Aug. 4 in Charlotte on a charge of providing material support to a terrorist group.

The FBI didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.