Russ Goforth made a second appearance in Estevan Court on Oct. 26 ton charges of child luring.
During the Oct. 26 sitting, presiding Judge Lane Wiegers ordered that Goforth undergo a psychiatric assessment to inquire into his criminal responsibility and whether or not he is fit to stand trial. Wiegers also ordered that Goforth be remanded in custody, when not undergoing assessment, and while he awaits a space at the facility where he’ll undergo the assessment.
Wiegers’ decision was made after considering statements made by legal aid, who referenced Callista Spencer, a community services worker with Regional Community Services, Estevan. Spencer, who regularly works with Goforth, understands his individual circumstances, and noted that he may potentially have cognitive and social issues that make him unfit to stand trial.
Spencer disclosed that Goforth has been shown to have issues with comprehension and instructions —issues legal aid claimed would necessitate a psychiatric assessment.
Presiding Judge Lane Wiegers agreed, and said that in his limited opportunity to observe Goforth, he had some doubts and questions that he believed would be resolved with proper testing and evaluation.
Wiegers noted that Goforth’s assessment would likely take 30 days, and adjourned the case until Dec. 7, when it is anticipated the assessment would be completed. It was noted that before the assessment could begin, an available bed would be required at the psychiatric facility where Goforth would be evaluated.
It was determined that Goforth would be sent to the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, once a bed becomes available. In the meantime, Wiegers ordered that he be held in custody at the Regina Correctional Centre.
Goforth was taken into custody after an investigation that involved members of the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), Carnduff RCMP, and Estevan Police Service, resulted in the execution of a search warrant at an Estevan residence, on Oct. 21. Numerous computers and storage devices were seized during the search.
Goforth was arrested without incident, when he attended a location with the intention of meeting a female girl under the age of 14, after prior correspondence with her through the internet.
