LIHUE — A man accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls has been deemed fit for trial. Eirik Stevens appeared before Judge Kathleen Watanabe Tuesday on two charges of sex assault and two charges of attempted sex assault. On Wednesday,
LIHUE — A man accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls has been deemed fit for trial.
Eirik Stevens appeared before Judge Kathleen Watanabe Tuesday on two charges of sex assault and two charges of attempted sex assault.
On Wednesday, his attorney, Emmanuel Guerrero, discussed the findings of a medical report, for which Stevens was examined by three doctors to determine his capacity and fitness for penal responsibility and continue to trial.
After being examined by Gerald McKenna, Diane Gerard and a doctor with the Hawaii Department of Health, Stevens was unanimously given clearance to continue in the court proceedings.
Guerrero said he’s willing to stipulate to the results of the fitness test, which determined his current cognitive capacity and state of mind.
But he has concerns about the results of the capacity test, which measured the extent to which Stevens, 49, understands the wrongfulness of his actions.
“The report from Dr. McKenna indicates more neuropsychological examination may be needed,” Guerrero said. “He may not have the capacity to appreciate what he’s done.”
The Lihue man is accused of using treats and snacks to lure a 7-year-old girl into his home, where he sexually assaulted her. In a separate case, he is accused of repeatedly attempting to inappropriately touch an 8-year-old girl.
Stevens was arrested on April 5.
First-degree sex assault is a class A felony and punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
Stevens will be back in court on Feb. 8 for a pretrial conference.
His trial is set for March 6.
