An American woman who authorities say used the online alter ego of “Jihad Jane” did not seem anything like a terrorist to those who knew her most closely. Colleen LaRose faces charges of conspiracy with jihadist fighters and planning to murder in the name of a Muslim Holy War.

The 46-year-old woman has been in prison since her arrest on October 15, 2009. Her indictment, announced last Tuesday, says she was assisting recruitment and funding of Muslim terrorists through her online alter ego.

LaRose’s boyfriend of five years, 47-year-old Kurt Gorman, lived with her in Pennsylvania, where LaRose took care of Gorman’s older father. He did not know that LaRose was Muslim, because she never attended any religious services of any kind.

“She was a good-hearted person,” Gorman said. “She pretty much stayed around the house.”

LaRose is accused of conspiring to kill Swedish artist Lars Vilks, who drew a caricature depicting the prophet Muhammad as a dog. Vilks says he was trying to show that artistic freedom allows mockery of all religions.

LaRose had moved overseas last autumn, and thought that her blond, American appearance would help her travel around Sweden easily, the indictment alleges. LaRose is one of only a few American women ever charged with terrorism.