Psychologist: NY man understood he was joining terror group
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A forensic psychologist says a suburban New York man who admitted trying to join an al-Qaida affiliate understood the consequences of his actions.
Dr. N.G. Berrill testified Tuesday at a presentencing hearing in the case of Justin Kaliebe (kah-LEE'-bee). The Long Island man pleaded guilty to federal charges in January 2013 of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
Kaliebe's attorney insists he was a mixed-up teenager who was diagnosed with a form of autism and didn't understand the gravity of what he was doing.
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The attorney questioned Berrill on his findings. The psychologist conceded he never interviewed Kaliebe's family members or other psychologists who had treated him.
The 21-year-old Kaliebe faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced this year.