Jan. 09--A lawyer for the former Winnetka teacher and scout leader accused of sexually abusing children decades ago said Friday that his ailing client is in a "catatonic state," prompting a request to remove the 94-year-old's electronic ankle bracelet, and forcing the cancellation of a mental competency exam.
Bill Bricker, who has been charged with molesting three children at a Wyoming camp in the 1960s and 1980s, was not responsive during a Thursday visit from a doctor with Michigan's Center for Forensic Psychiatry, lawyer Michael Lewis said.
Lewis said that according to a Leelanau County Sheriff's Department official present during the doctor's visit on Thursday, a hospice nurse treating Bricker in his Glen Arbor, Mich., home told officials that the elderly man has been in a "catatonic state" since last weekend, and hence, the exam could not take place.
The mental competency exam was ordered to determine whether Bricker could understand the extradition proceedings, Lewis said, and would have assessed both his mental and physical health.
In addition, Lewis said he planned to ask a Grand Traverse County judge on Friday for permission to remove Bricker's electronic ankle bracelet.
Lewis said while he was not certain if Bricker had a medical "do not resuscitate" directive as part of his estate planning, he hoped to ensure his client was not suffering.
"The ankle bracelet is apparently cutting into his skin, and the family has asked if it can be removed," Lewis said. "The tether seems unnecessary at this point."
Bricker, who taught physical education at Winnetka's Hubbard Woods School for more than 35 years, was arrested in September at a Michigan nursing home.
kcullotta@tribpub.com
Twitter: @kcullotta
