Exam ordered for kid-porn suspect

TEXARKANA -- A man facing charges of child pornography production has been ordered by a federal judge in Texarkana to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Aaron Lloyd Mitchell, 21, is accused of uploading to the Internet images of himself sexually abusing girls, ages 5 and 13, according to a federal indictment pending in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas. Mitchell pleaded innocent to each of three charges listed in the indictment at a hearing in Texarkana last month.

The case was set for trial Jan. 30 but that has been put on hold while Mitchell's competency is evaluated.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Matt Hill filed a motion this week asking the court to grant a motion for a psychological assessment. The motion states that Hill is concerned Mitchell may be suffering from mental health problems that render him incompetent "to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense."

"The Defendant has a history of suicidal thoughts and ideation, depression, and anxiety, for several years up to and including the time of arrest for the instant offense," the motion said. "Defendant's interactions with counsel indicate the possibility of a mental illness or defect, as well as profound depression, such that his responses cause counsel to be uncertain of his understanding of the proceedings against him or his ability to assist properly in his defense of this matter."

U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey granted the motion Wednesday. The motion noted that once the examination has been completed the court will conduct a competency hearing.

Mitchell is accused of taking a picture of himself in a state of arousal with the sleeping 13-year-old in the image, according to the indictment. The first two counts of the indictment said Mitchell created images involving the 5-year-old while she was clad in "Hello Kitty" and "Doughnut" panties and while he sexually abused the girl.

All of the images were created Sept. 1 through Nov. 3 on property in Foreman, where Mitchell was living with the mother of the younger girl.

State Desk on 01/11/2019

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