Judge Files Order for Criminal Responsibility Exam in Sex Abuse Case

By Beatriz Canals [former] - October 13, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault |

During an Oct. 13 status hearing for a 2020 sex abuse case, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt evaluated a defendant’s competency to proceed with trial. 

The 56-year old defendant is charged with first-degree sex abuse while armed with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

The defendant expressed his desire to undergo a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Defense (NGRI), which assesses the defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged crime. 

“When the crime occurred I wasn’t in the right state of mind,” the defendant said. “I’m not saying that I committed the crime.”

Defense attorney Andrew Ain also considered the possibility of a bifurcated, or two stage, trial that would determine the defendant’s guilt and his sanity. 

Judge Brandt granted the defendant’s request and filed an order for a Criminal Responsibility Examination. 

The next status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.