Judge orders mental exam for Lee Baca

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a psychological examination to

determine whether former Los Angeles county Sheriff Lee Baca is mentally able to understand the corruption charges against him and assist in his defense.

City News Service reports Monday that U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson ruled the exam

must take place by Sept. 30. Baca’s trial is scheduled to start in Dec. 6.

Baca’s attorneys have repeatedly said that Baca has Alzheimer’s disease that may make a trial problematic, but it was prosecutors who asked for the exam, saying they would rather not have the issue constantly questioned as the case progresses.

The 74-year-old Baca has pleaded not guilty to obstructing justice, conspiracy and lying to the federal government. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.