Judge Gives More Time for Evaluation of Sex Abuse Defendant’s Competency to Stand Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

A DC Superior Court judge continued a mental observation hearing to give the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) more time to evaluate a sexual abuse defendant’s competency to stand trial.

The defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse of a victim under 18-years-old.

During the June 28 hearing, Judge John Campbell said the DBH previously told him they need another 45 days to complete the competency evaluation.

Judge Campbell scheduled the next mental observation hearing for July 28.

The defendant is also charged with kidnapping of a minor. His case went to trial over a year ago, but the jury could not make a unanimous decision and Judge Ronna Beck declared a mistrial.