Suspect in teen’s sexual assault at Kansas child welfare office will have mental exam

A 19-year-old charged with sexually assaulting a younger teen in a child welfare office in Olathe will have a mental competency exam before heading to trial, a judge has ordered.

Michael Anthony Hamer, 19, is charged in Johnson County District Court with rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He is accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl inside a KVC Health Systems office in Olathe.

Hamer was 18 at the time of the assault in May. Both he and the girl were in the state foster care system at the time.

Defense attorney Courtney Henderson requested the evaluation because he thinks Hamer “is unable to fully understand and appreciate the gravity of the charges against him.”

Henderson said he did not think Hamer could effectively assist in his own defense.

District Judge Brenda Cameron granted the request to determine Hamer’s competency to stand trial.

A hearing on the competency issue is scheduled for Jan. 10.