February 19, 2009

Mental health evaluation ordered for Provost

By Stephen McFadden

Publisher

Court proceedings in the animal cruelty case involving Sharon Lynne Provost of Lind have been delayed.

On Jan. 20, in open court, Superior Court Judge Tari S. Eitzen signed an order calling for a forensic mental health evaluation of Provost.

The Lind resident is facing several charges including animal cruelty in the first degree, animal cruelty in the second degree and transporting or confining in an unsafe manner.

The judge’s order calls for the evaluation to be conducted by Eastern State Hospital.

Adams County Prosecutor Randy Flyckt said the case will not proceed until the evaluation has been completed and the judge rules on whether or not Provost is competent to stand trial.

Flyckt said the defense has the option to bring forth expert testimony that could challenge the findings of the doctors from Eastern State Hospital, should they determine Provost is fit to stand trial.

He said the court may need to schedule a hearing, hear the testimony from both sides and then rule on whether or not the case will proceed.

If the court rules Provost is unfit to proceed, the judge could issue an order of commitment for restorative treatment, Flyckt said.