Crime & Safety

Court to Examine Competency of Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Fellow Psychiatric Patient

Ronald O'Brien, 28, was previously found incompetent to stand trial on charges he sexually assaulted a fellow patient at San Mateo Medical Center.

A man accused of sexually assaulting a fellow psychiatric patient at San Mateo Medical Center in 2010 will appear in court Wednesday to set a date for a hearing that will determine whether the man is now competent to stand trial.

Ronald O'Brien, 28, was previously found incompetent on charges of rape, forcible penetration, residential burglary, dissuading a witness and assault with intent to rape in connection with the alleged sexual assault on March 30, 2010, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Wagstaffe, who shortly after O'Brien's arrest called the crime "horrific," said O'Brien was placed in Napa State Hospital after two doctors concluded he wasn't competent to stand trial.

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The night of March 30, O'Brien allegedly went into a 23-year-old female patient's room and pushed her onto the bed.

He then allegedly climbed on top of her, held his hand over her mouth and sexually assaulted her, according to Wagstaffe.

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Wagstaffe said the victim tried to push him away but was unable to. After the assault, O'Brien allegedly left her room and returned with a piece of paper containing drawings that said she should not tell anyone what had happened, Wagstaffe said.

The next morning, the woman reported the crime and police arrested O'Brien.

He allegedly said he had wanted the woman to be his girlfriend and he hadn't understood that what he did was wrong, Wagstaffe said.

After spending months at Napa State Hospital, the hospital determined O'Brien's competency had been restored and contacted San Mateo County Superior Court.

On Wednesday, a date will be set for the restoration hearing, where doctors from the hospital will testify for the prosecution, Wagstaffe said.

In court on Friday, when a date was supposed to be set for the hearing but was delayed due to a doctor's unavailability, O'Brien reportedly said he wanted to plead guilty.

Wagstaffe said he expects O'Brien's attorney will discuss that option with him but likely won't encourage it.

O'Brien remains in custody in San Mateo County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bail. He faces 25 years to life in prison if the charges are reinstated and he is convicted.


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