Published: January 07, 2009 10:11 am      

Competency evaluation granted in rape case

By Sean Bailey / Staff Writer

A Rockholds man charged with first-degree rape and failing to register as a sex offender had his trial scheduled for today continued so that he can undergo a competency evaluation.

Willie Lowe, 42, was indicted on charges of first-degree rape and first-degree persistent felony offender in March after allegedly raping a 41-year-old woman in February.

In April he was charged with failing to comply with sex offender registration and another first-degree persistent felony charge.

According to earlier reports, Lowe has already been convicted twice in Whitley County on sexual crimes. He was sentenced to three years in 1994 for third-degree sexual abuse, and 10 years for first-degree sexual abuse in 1996. He was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years after his second conviction.

In court on Monday Lowe’s attorney Timothy Despotes said despite Lowe’s ability to read and write, he doesn’t understand the severity of his situation. Common-wealth’s attorney Allen Trimble and circuit court judge Dan Ballou agreed to allow Lowe to undergo a competency evaluation.

The competency evaluation could determine if Lowe is mentally fit to stand trial.

If found competent and guilty Lowe could face up to 20 years in prison on the first-degree rape charge alone.