Judge Orders Mental Observation Hearing for Sexual Assault Defendant 

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a mental observation screening for a sex abuse defendant. 

The defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse related to a kidnapping of an adult female that occurred on Dec. 26, 1998, on the 2300 block of High Street, SE. The victim was abducted at gunpoint, raped, and beaten. 

On Nov. 28, 2005, a child victim was abducted at gunpoint on the way to school, raped, and then dropped back off at school, according to court documents. 

The defendant was arrested and charged for these offenses on Aug. 5. 

According to the judge, a doctor will assess the defendant’s understanding and competency to stand trial, and the results of the evaluation would be discussed during the next hearing. 

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2.