FLINT, MI – A former school teacher, administrator and coach across multiple Genesee County-area school districts who is accused of sexual assault will undergo an evaluation to determine his competency and criminal responsibility.
Eugene Steven Pratt, 57, appeared before Genesee District Judge Tabitha Marie Marsh Thursday, Sept. 29, for what was originally scheduled as a preliminary examination.
However, during the hearing, Pratt’s attorney, David L. Campbell, asked that the court refer the defendant to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline for a competency evaluation.
Both Pratt and Campbell declined to comment following the hearing.
A defendant is incompetent to stand trial only if they are incapable of understanding the nature and object of the proceedings, or if they are incapable of assisting the defense in a rational manner because of mental condition.
Incompetence may be raised at any time during court proceedings by either the court or by a motion filed by one of the parties. Where there is evidence of incompetency, the judge must halt the proceedings and refer the defendant to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry.
At the Center for Forensic Psychiatry, doctors interview defendants and then issue a report as to whether they are mentally competent and can be held criminally responsible.
Judges typically rely on those reports to issue rulings on competency at a competency hearing, which is to be scheduled no later than five days after the center’s report is submitted.
Pratt is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, although additional charges may be looming.
He was arrested on Aug. 16 at New Paths, a court-ordered addiction center in Flint where he has worked as a security and a transportation employee since June 2021. Pratt has since been fired from that position.
Pratt was arraigned before District Court Judge Mark C. McCabe in August on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charge originates from June 2013, when Pratt was the principal at Beecher Community Adult Education.
Authorities previously said Pratt likely preyed on vulnerable people. They have said they believe there are at least 15 victims, some of whom weren’t in a position to come forward. Others have yet to be identified.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said previously his department is preparing to submit another investigation to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, but still must determine whether charges can be issued due to concerns about the statute of limitations.
Pratt remains free on tether after posting a $25,000 cash/surety bail.
Read more at The Flint Journal:
Former Genesee County school administrator charged with CSC
Additional victims likely in case of former school administrator charged with CSC, sheriff says
Video shows suspected predatory behavior from former school admin charged with CSC, sheriff says
Former school administrator in Genesee County remains jailed despite posting bond
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