Judge to determine whether Muncie man is competent to face molestation charges
MUNCIE, Ind. — Larry Lee Viellieux was silent Tuesday in Delaware Circuit Court 1 as he sat in a wheelchair, handcuffed, wearing an orange jumpsuit designed for jail inmates.
To his right, Judge Marianne Vorhees, defense attorney Joe Hunter and Deputy Prosecutor Diane Frye were discussing whether Viellieux, a 34-year-old Muncie man, can stand trial on 10 felony charges filed against him in June 2021 — six counts of child molesting and four counts of child exploitation.
Viellieux did not look at the judge or attorneys, or in any way respond to what they had to say, largely concerning him. Instead, he stared straight ahead, in the direction of a courtroom gallery that contained only two people. A portion of his shoulder-length hair had fallen down over half of his face.
If he moved at all while in the courtroom, until jail officers wheeled him out, it was imperceptible.
More:Muncie man held in molesting investigation
Whether Viellieux can assist in his defense has been an issue since soon after his arrest.
He is accused of sexually abusing pre-teen girls. Five of the molesting charges are Level 1 felonies carrying maximum 40-year prison terms.
After Viellieux denied those allegations to Muncie police, investigators examined his cellphone and found nude photos of two of the juveniles.
The Muncie man — with a record including convictions for burglary and criminal recklessness — has reportedly been uncooperative with efforts to assess his mental fitness to stand trial.
In an online discussion Tuesday with Vorhees, psychologist Bob Hatfield said there had been times Viellieux "has cooperated with mental health (professionals)" but said when the charges against him, or his competency to stand trial, are raised, he "has gone catatonic."
Hatfield also said Viellieux has shown "a total lack of willingness to participate in the evaluation process."
A report from Richmond State Hospital, where Viellieux recently spent six months, indicated he was "likely competent" to stand trial.
More:Muncie man charged in mother's slaying found incompetent to stand trial
In another report, a local psychiatrist assigned to examine Viellieux said he believed the Muncie man was "malingering."
Testimony at Tuesday's hearing also indicated the Muncie man was not taking medicine prescribed to him.
Frye said she believed evidence indicated the defendant should stand trial.
Hunter maintained some reports were "unclear," saying he was "not sure what likely competence is."
The defense attorney was given until Dec. 27 to present a written argument on his client's status.
Vorhees — who is retiring at year's end — said she would rule on the competency issue promptly after receiving that document.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Debate continues over Muncie man's competency to stand trial in molesting case
