Psychological review ordered for rape suspect
CANTON — A Massena man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl must undergo a psychological evaluation.
Brian D. Simpson, 23, of 93 Beach St., pleaded innocent Monday in St. Lawrence County Court before Judge Jerome J. Richards to charges of second-degree rape and second-degree sexual abuse.
Judge Richards ordered Mr. Simpson to submit to a series of assessments to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Two psychologists will assess him. Mr. Simpson had trouble responding to questions posed by the judge during arraignment, including the definition of pleading innocent and understanding of the criminal charges.
He's accused of having sex with the girl in June 2008 and having sexual contact with her in June 2009. Both incidents occurred in the town of Massena. A protection order was issued for the victim.
In other court proceedings:
Carl E. Slater Jr., 25, of 621 B Elliot Road, Winthrop, pleaded guilty to third-degree rape.
He admitted having sex with a 14-year-old girl in January in the town of Lawrence. He could receive six months in St. Lawrence County jail and 10 years' probation when sentenced Dec. 21.
Mr. Slater also will have to register as a sex offender when released from jail. A protection order was issued for the victim.
Donald E. White, 46, Newton Falls, pleaded guilty to first-degree scheme to defraud. He admitted to writing several bad checks on a closed Community Bank account from October to December 2008 to several businesses. The bank account had been closed in March 2008.
He could receive 11/2 to three years in state prison when sentenced Dec. 21. Mr. White already is serving a three- to six-year prison sentence on a conviction of third-degree grand larceny for stealing brass and copper from Newton Falls Fine Paper.
William Jones, 47, pleaded innocent to first-degree promoting prison contraband in an unsealed indictment.
He is accused of swinging a razor during a Jan. 9 argument at the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.
Mr. Jones is serving a 21-years-to-life sentence from Queens County on convictions of first-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to state Department of Correctional Services records. He has been imprisoned since February 1990 and eligible for parole in August 2011.
