The court-appointed attorney for a man charged with attempting to take pictures up women’s skirts using a cellphone camera has asked for a mental health evaluation for his client.
Attorney Gregory Hurn says he is concerned about 42-year-old Randy Merrill’s ability to understand the seriousness of the three felony video voyeurism charges brought against him. Hurn said based on his interviews with Merrill and Merrill’s sister, he would like the man’s mental health, IQ and ability to comprehend the proceedings examined.
Merrill appeared in court for Wednesday for a preliminary hearing on the charges based on allegations that he attempted to take the photos at three different stores while pretending to pick up something from a bottom shelf or the floor. He agreed to waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and it was reset for August 22nd.
Magistrate Kent Merica said he would take the defense’s request under advisement.
The charges stem from incidents July 17th at Grocery Outlet involving a 22-year-old woman; July 21 at Kmart involving a 44-year-old woman; and July 18th through 23 rd at ShopKo, where incidents were reported by three women 26, 17 and 16.
Merrill is free on $5,000 bond.
