Competency hearing ordered for Smithfield man accused of sexually abusing child

LOGAN — A competency hearing has been ordered for a 43-year-old Smithfield man accused of physically and sexually abusing a child.

Andrew Facer appeared in 1st District Court Tuesday afternoon. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, where a judge would rule if the defendant would be bound over to stand trial.

Public defender Mike McGinnis said afterwards, he asked the court to postpone the hearing while Facer undergoes a medical evaluation. The psychiatrist will determine if the defendant is competent enough to understand the court process.

Judge Kevin Allen continued the preliminary hearing until the competency evaluation is completed. He ordered Facer to remain in the Cache County Jail on $125,000 bail.

Police arrested Facer in December on suspicion of felony sex abuse of a child and misdemeanor physical abuse. The allegations allegedly occurred in recent years and involved a victim who knew the defendant. He was later charged with one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony, and five misdemeanors including two counts of voyeurism, along with assault, domestic violence and child abuse neglect.

Detectives questioned Facer while investigating a Richmond man, Dustin Mangum, who was arrested in August on similar allegations. The two men reportedly know each other through marriage.

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