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More psychiatric evaluation for suspected ‘ice’ supplier
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has ordered further psychiatric evaluation for Yu Hua Wang, the alleged second in command of an organization of drug suppliers on Saipan who is reportedly possibly suffering from brain injury.
Manglona made the decision after Wang’s court-appointed counsel, Robert T. Torres, stated that he consulted with the U.S. government that the court continue the competency issue for 30 more days.
Assistant U.S. attorney Ross Naughton did not object to Torres’ request for further examination and joined in the recommendation that Wang be referred off-island.
Torres disclosed that, according to the three psychiatric reports by Dr. Laura Post, the doctor was unable to make a determination and that it was an inconclusive finding.
Torres said that from reading Post’s reports, he was even more concerned with Wang’s ability to assist him.
After hearing the arguments of Torres and Naughton, Manglona granted the parties’ joint motion for Wang’s further examination.
Manglona said Wang shall be provided the service through the Bureau of Prisons and that the period of examination will be for 30 days.
After the examination is concluded, then a competency hearing will be held.
Manglona set the competency hearing on Jan. 5, 2015.
In Wang’s previous request for a competency examination, Torres disclosed that Wang has been complaining of severe headaches and pain while in detention, affecting his understanding of documents that were being reviewed with him by his lawyer.
Torres said Wang’s pretrial services evaluation indicates a traumatic brain injury from an assault several years ago.
Wang was among seven persons arrested in February for alleged “ice” distribution. Except for Wang, all pleaded guilty.
