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Teen suspect will undergo mental tests
A judge has ordered one of two boys accused of sexually assaulting a child at church to undergo a psychological evaluation.
A continuance in the case was granted Wednesday when the boy and his family appeared in Juvenile Court.
Attorney Gary Wood told the court the boy has a seizure disorder. Assistant Seventh Circuit Solicitor Abel Gray agreed that an evaluation was needed, saying the boy has difficulty learning and is on the medication Depakote, commonly prescribed for epilepsy, migraines and bipolar disorder.
The boys, ages 15 and 13, are charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor and will remain under house arrest until the dispositions of their cases. Juvenile Court Judge Wesley Brown ordered the case against the boy's codefendant also be continued so the two can be tried together.
The boys are accused of forcing the victim's pants down and forcing themselves on her, according to authorities.
The alleged incident occurred while the children were practicing for a Christmas play Dec. 6, 2005 at Silica Springs Baptist Church in Gaffney.
One of the boys is the half-brother of the victim, according to testimony. The boy is in the custody of his grandmother while the girl is in the care of her father.
The 7-year-old victim has completed a forensic evaluation and is on the waiting list for counseling at the Children's Advocacy Center.







