BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. – A local judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a Bullhead City man who displayed speech and communication challenges when answering routine questions during his July 6 change of plea hearing in Kingman. Judge Billy Sipe expressed concern that Devin Amerison, 38, may have difficulty comprehending legal proceedings.
Amerison’s responses were slow and choppy through the hearing during which he pleaded guilty to a charge reduced to attempted burglary for a May 26 incident in the 800 block of Gemstone Avenue.
Prosecutor Phillip Delgado said Amerison, with sexual intent, entered the victim’s home and crawled into bed with a woman who did not know him. Her scream drew response from her brother who escorted Amerison out of the residence.
In addition to expressing concerns about the defendant’s mental acuity, Judge Sipe derided the plea deal that reduces the burglary count to an attempt. Sipe criticized the Mohave County Attorney’s Office for reaching plea agreements that allow defendants to plead guilty to attempted crimes, rather than the crimes themselves.
“I think all of the other judges on the bench in Mohave County feel the same way,” Sipe said.
The Court expressed hope that the preliminary mental health evaluation will be completed before an Aug. 10 status hearing.
