Court declares Payette transgender resident competent to stand trial
By Patrick McDonough
Argus Observer
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 10:49 AM PST
http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2010/11/24/news/doc4ced572558789903238429.txt (http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2010/11/24/news/doc4ced572558789903238429.txt)
Payette — Following a psychological evaluation, a transgender Payette resident charged with two felonies has been found competent to stand trial and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
A preliminary hearing will be held Dec. 6 at the Payette County Courthouse to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial for Catherine Carlson, 52, who is charged with arson and use of a hoax destructive device.
"There is definitely enough evidence to warrant a trial," Payette County Prosecuting Attorney Anne-Marie Kelso said of charges that stem from a series of incidents that occurred the morning of July 11, when Payette fire and police authorities responded to calls from Carlson's neighbors at Northgate Trailer Park in Payette.