Court proceedings were suspended on Monday for a man accused of committing a lewd act on a child under 14 after his mental competency was called into question.
Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson has ordered Rafael Gomez Gomez, 80, of Williams, to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if Gomez is able to stand trial and aid in his own defense.
According to his attorney, Roberto Marquez, Gomez suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, which has progressed since his arrest eight months ago.
Gomez appeared in court on Monday with his family at his side, but Marquez said the 80-year-old did not recognize him and had very little understanding of why he was in court.
Williams Police officers arrested Gomez around 11 PM on April 26 following allegations that he possibly molested multiple victims in his Williams neighborhood.
Gomez was released from jail on his own recognizance on May 3, but on the condition he remains under the watchful care of his family.
Gomez is living with a daughter in Meridian, but is occasionally cared for by other family members in Williams during the day. However, he is not allowed to travel about or run errands with family members, and must return at night to Sutter County.
Gomez is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 7 to determine if he is fit to stand trial on the charges. He is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.