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Alleged ‘ice’ supplier withdraws bid for competency hearing
Yu Hua Wang, the alleged second in command of an organization of drug suppliers on Saipan who claims to be suffering from a brain injury, has withdrawn his motion for a hearing to determine his competency to stand trial.
Attorney Robert T. Torres, the court-appointed counsel for Wang, informed the U.S. District Court for the NMI on Friday that after reviewing the forensic evaluation report and consulting with Wang, the defense would not be proceeding with the competency hearing.
Torres told the court that Wang understands the nature of the proceedings.
Torres said he believes the report is thorough and that it does address his concerns regarding his client.
The forensic evaluation report was filed under seal.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona set Wang’s jury trial for April 7, 2015, at 10am.
Torres said the parties would request to move the trial date and that Wang would be filing a waiver of his right to a speedy trial.
Assistant U.S. attorney Ross Naughton appeared for the U.S. government at the hearing.
Last October, Manglona ordered a psychiatric evaluation of Wang after Torres asked that his client be placed in a Bureau of Prisons facility for further examination.
Naughton did not object to Torres’ request for further examination and joined in the recommendation that Wang be referred off-island.
Torres had 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 from reading Post’s reports, he was even more concerned with Wang’s ability to assist him.
In Wang’s previous request for a competency examination, Torres said 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 2014 for alleged “ice” distribution. Except Wang, all pleaded guilty.
