Competency challenged for Bainbridge Island man accused of rape

A Superior Court judge has ordered a mental competency review for the man who allegedly raped a woman and molested a 7-year-old girl on Bainbridge Island.

A  Superior Court judge has ordered a mental competency review for the man who allegedly raped a woman and molested a 7-year-old girl on Bainbridge Island.

Lawyers for George R. Miller, 24, told the judge that he was evaluated by personnel at Western State Hospital and was found to have “impairment issues,” according to Kitsap County prosecutors. The evaluators wouldn’t say if he was competent, or not, to stand trial, however.

The review was ordered during a court hearing for Miller on March 15. Prosecutors are in the process of getting a second opinion, and Miller’s next court date is scheduled for April 30.

Competency is required for defendants to stand trial. To be found not competent, authorities must determine that he is unable to understand the trial process.

If Miller is found not competent, prosecutors can attempt to find ways to make him competent to stand trial through medication, counseling or other treatments.

While competency can prevent Miller from standing trial in a criminal court, he can still be tried in a civil court.

The alleged rape occurred in early February at Miller’s home on High School Road.

The alleged incident with the 7-year-old girl occurred in the bathroom of the Safeway on High School Road in June 2011.

Police said Miller admitted to the incident with the child, but he has denied the rape accusation.

Miller said he had sexual contact with the woman, but did not have sex with her. He said that the woman did not ask him to stop or otherwise indicate that she wanted him to stop.

Authorities said the woman had a sexual assault exam, which found signs of sexual intercourse.