Forensic psychiatrist testifies at presentencing in terror support case

A forensic psychiatrist took the stand today at the presentencing hearing for a former Babylon High School student who pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to terrorists. As News

News 12 Staff

•

Jul 2, 2016, 2:01 AM

•

Updated 3,094 days ago

A forensic psychiatrist took the stand today at the presentencing hearing for a former Babylon High School student who pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to terrorists.

As News 12 has reported, Justin Kaliebe pleaded guilty three years ago in a secret court hearing in Central Islip. He said he met with others in Suffolk County to discuss ways to help al-Qaeda.

Kaliebe's family says he is autistic and didn't know what he was doing.

During Day 2 of a presentencing hearing in federal court today, Dr. Alexander Barday painted the picture of a teenager who has struggled with autism and other medical issues for most of his life.

"I came to the conclusion that at the time of the offense he was suffering from various medical and psychiatric disorders," said Barday.

Kaliebe, now 21, was arrested in January 2013 by the FBI at John F. Kennedy International Airport when he tried to fly to Oman before traveling on to Yemen.

The hearing will continue on July 19. The sentencing has not been scheduled yet.