Slider trial could be delayed here, too
Man who faked death must be evaluated firstBy Brad Bauer, bbauer@mariettatimes.com
The outcome of Patrick Slider's competency evaluation recently ordered in Athens County could have an impact on the man's January criminal trial in Washington County, attorneys said.
Slider, 44, of Little Hocking, is accused of robbing a Coolville bank, leaving fake bombs at two post offices and faking his death to avoid prosecution on drug charges in Washington County.
Slider was set to stand trial Tuesday in Athens County for the July 29 robbery and pipe bomb incidents, but his attorneys filed a motion asking for him to be evaluated by mental health experts.
Slider faces 59 years in prison if convicted of all charges in Athens County. He faces another 80 years if convicted in the Washington County drug trafficking case. That trial is set to begin Jan. 12, but it could be affected by the recent incompetency suggestion, said Washington County Prosecutor Jim Schneider.
"It will be interesting to see what happens with the evaluation," Schneider said. "If he is found to be incompetent over there, I'm sure the same will apply here. But if some psychologist says that at the time of the bank robbery (Slider) was suffering some mental defect and couldn't tell right from wrong, I would argue that would have no effect on our case. He might have had a mental defect at that time, but it wouldn't mean he did when he was dealing or stealing drugs."
Slider's attorney in the Washington County case, George Cosenza, said he was unaware attorneys representing his client in Athens County were going to attempt an insanity defense.
"I've not been in contact with his lawyers over there. The first I heard about it was last night (Tuesday) on the TV," Cosenza said. "(Requesting a competency evaluation) is something we will consider, but I can't say for sure it is something we will do."
Generally, court-ordered mental evaluations take 30 to 60 days to be completed.
Schneider said sometimes defense attorneys request such a hearing to delay the start of a trial.
"Sometimes it is a legitimate concern and an attorney needs to make the request to protect himself and his client," he said. "But sometimes it is a ploy to delay a trial when a continuance might not be granted."
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surprised
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12-07-08 1:03 AM
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One problem is his kids "probably profited" from when he was selling drugs. I know if I had a lot of extra money I would help my family and they would be saying all of the things his family say. He probably was a good father and hopefully supported them while he was "in the money" but he got caught. Just a chance you take!
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NasCarNut
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12-06-08 9:46 AM
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he's not insane...he's stupid...looking for a way out...these criminals do the crime but then when caught they don't want to do the time...it's a waste of time and money...but we have to protect HIS rights...LOL... MalcomZ...no one wrecked his family...he made his choices...now he needs to pay the price...yes, the sad thing is his family will also...hope his kids learn from his mistakes and live a better life...I dobut it though...born and bred...somethings never change...
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Johanna
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12-05-08 9:27 PM
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Malcom...you are right. Innocent until proven guilty...but back off...we are not the JURY!!!!! Freedom of speech...remember?
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washingtoncountycitizen
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12-05-08 5:37 PM
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Of course he's guilty, why else would he have tried to fake his own death? I think he wrecked his own family when he decided to commit crimes. Thats whats wrong with people like him, they want to break the law and when they get caught, then its always someone elses fault.
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MalcomZ
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12-05-08 7:37 AM
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unAmerican comments. u fools like a police state, u don't know what it is like. The man is presumed innocent till the facist state "proves' him guilty and further wrecks his family.
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Johanna
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12-04-08 11:23 PM
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Agree!
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peppie
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12-04-08 3:29 PM
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Come on, the man is guilty, get the trial over and put him behind bars.
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Buckyes1
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12-04-08 3:28 PM
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what a waste of time and money.
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