Suspect in sex crimes case to undergo competency tests - Eufaula Indian Journal

news

August 7, 2024

Suspect in sex crimes case to undergo competency tests

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR,

A 21-year-old Missouri man who was arrested on juvenile pornography charges has been ordered to undergo a mental competency exam.

Ryan Michael Catron, 21, of Camdenton, Mo., is charged with procuring, producing, distributing, and possessing juvenile pornography.

At a hearing on Wednesday, July 31, Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges ordered the competency exam and that it be completed by Aug. 23.

Catron was arrested in May and a $250,000 bond imposed. He was among three suspects caught in an investigation by Eufaula Police that began in January.

Another of the suspects, Kaylee Renee Hartline, 25, of Tulsa is being held in a mental health facility after being declared unable to stand trial at this time.

Jackson Whitt, 27, of Russellville, Ark., the third suspect arrested by Eufaula police, has been turned over to federal authorities and is now awaiting trial in Little Rock, Ark., which is expected to take place sometime in early 2025.

The United States District Court of Eastern Arkansas in Little Rock filed 20 charges against Whitt on July 15.

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