MONROE - Felony charges of repeated sexual assault, child abuse, battery, incest and sexual assault by use of force were dismissed this week against an 18-year-old previously found incompetent to stand trial.
The latest evaluation of Michael Peter Gifford, formerly of Monroe, indicates he cannot be brought to competency. Law enforcement and family members have described Gifford as having the mental capacity of a 9-year-old.
Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Kohl says statutes on competency allow a case to be suspended, but "there appeared to be no point to that in this case, so I agreed the case could be dismissed."
The case against Gifford was based on an allegation that he repeatedly forced a teen girl to have sex over several months last year.
His teacher at Monroe High School testified in June that Gifford was a troubled student, "totally inside himself," and often came to school unwashed and wearing dirty clothes. She said he was doing better since his placement in a foster home earlier this year.
The case against Gifford is likely closed for good.
"If through some sort of unforeseen medical advances Mr. Gifford is somehow later brought to competency, the statute of limitations would allow (him) to be recharged up to the victim turning age 45," Kohl said.
- Katjusa Cisar
The latest evaluation of Michael Peter Gifford, formerly of Monroe, indicates he cannot be brought to competency. Law enforcement and family members have described Gifford as having the mental capacity of a 9-year-old.
Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Kohl says statutes on competency allow a case to be suspended, but "there appeared to be no point to that in this case, so I agreed the case could be dismissed."
The case against Gifford was based on an allegation that he repeatedly forced a teen girl to have sex over several months last year.
His teacher at Monroe High School testified in June that Gifford was a troubled student, "totally inside himself," and often came to school unwashed and wearing dirty clothes. She said he was doing better since his placement in a foster home earlier this year.
The case against Gifford is likely closed for good.
"If through some sort of unforeseen medical advances Mr. Gifford is somehow later brought to competency, the statute of limitations would allow (him) to be recharged up to the victim turning age 45," Kohl said.
- Katjusa Cisar