If you or someone you know needs resources or support related to sexual violence, contact the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741. If you are concerned about a child being neglected or abused, call Maine’s 24-hour hotline at 800-452-1999 or 711 to speak with a child protective specialist. Calls may be made anonymously. For more information, visit: maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect.
The attorney of a Maine man accused of sexually assaulting a dog and sexually exploiting a child has requested his client undergo a mental competency examination.
Christopher Colson, 24, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sex abuse materials in U.S. District Court of Maine in Bangor. His attorney, Connor Herrold, requested Friday that a judge order a psychiatric examination of Colson.
Herrold asked a judge to order the exam and a hearing to determine if Colson is competent to stand trial and assist with the case, according to a motion filed Friday. Herrold said he is concerned that Colson may not be competent based on “personal observations” during his time representing Colson.
The U.S. Attorney’s office objects to the request, according to court records.
Colson is facing criminal charges in both federal and state courts. He allegedly had hundreds of pictures of a young girl and showed them to at least one person, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in federal court. He is also accused of touching the 6-year-olds’ genitals, court records said.
Colson was arrested on Sept. 22 and charged with a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals in Somerset County Superior Court. He allegedly sexually assaulted a dog that had to be euthanized because of its injuries.
He is on bail and living in a residential group care home in Androscoggin County.
