07/11/2013 // West Palm Beach , Florida, US // JusticeNewsFlash // Justice News Flash // (press release)

Bay Shore, NY – An attorney for a New York teen charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization has stated that his client is autistic. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Justin Kaliebe, 18, who pleaded guilty to the charge faces up to 30 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege Kaliebe indicated his intentions to join al-Qaida in 2011, while being in contact with an undercover operative. The conversations between the operative and Kaliebe were purportedly recorded.

Defense attorney Anthony La Pinta is quoted as saying in a statement to the AP of Kaliebe, “Justin Kaliebe is a gentle, misguided, autistic teenager who does not have the ability to fully understand the magnitude and consequences of his actions.”

Kaliebe has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to his sentencing date on September 27.

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