The defense for one of the young men charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack a Muslim community is speaking out.

The grandparents of 18-year-old Andrew Crysel have retained defense attorney Jason Housel to represent their grandson.

"His family has been very clear that he wanted me to speak on his behalf to let everyone know that he did not intend any of this at all, whatsoever," said Housel.

But that is not the picture painted by authorities, who say Crysel, two other young men and a 16-year-old conspired in an extensive plot to attack an Islamic community.

Housel says his client hasn't seen them in many months and never even met the youngest charged offender.

"He has absolutely no ill will or hatred toward the Islamic community, that I can assure you," said Housel.

Crysel's family and attorney say he is medically diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Housel says this could be relevant in proving intent and criminal liability. 

"He has a condition, but it is relevant when you start getting into these waters," said Housel.

Housel wants to learn exactly what happened when his client was taken into custody and questioned by police.

"To my knowledge, they arrived at home, in pajama pants and t-shirt and went out and spent 45 minutes to an hour in a police vehicle and then was taken into a police department for several more hours," said Housel.  

Housel says, "I have dealt with a lot of clients over the years and I can, I think, pretty firmly say that this kid's not lying to me."