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Homeless man charged with raping elderly woman – fit to stand trial

A judge ruled Tuesday that a man accused of raping an elderly woman in a southwest Ocala apartment complex last year is mentally competent to stand trial.

The decision could lead to a court hearing in October. If there is a hearing, it would last two days.

At Tuesday's hearing, the court was told that the defense was seeking a plea deal that would provide for a 40-year prison sentence, but the state rejected that proposal. If convicted, the alleged rapist could face a life sentence.

The case began on February 1, when Ocala police officers were notified of the sexual assault of an 80-year-old woman at Saddleworth Green, an apartment complex at 2901 SW 41st Street. Two days later, detectives investigating the incident arrested possible suspect Taquino Williams.

According to a police report, Williams told investigators he entered the victim's apartment and went into her bedroom. Officials said Williams poked the victim with a screwdriver. He then sexually assaulted her, authorities said. Police officials said he repeatedly tried to choke the woman.

He told investigators he knew the apartment complex. He also told investigators he had entered homes when no one was there. Williams said the screwdriver was useful for kidnapping people, according to the police report of the interview.

Williams is facing multiple charges, including sexual assault with use of a deadly weapon, armed home invasion and possession of burglary tools. He is being held without bail in the Marion County Jail.

The defendant has another case in Texas with similar circumstances. It is unknown whether witnesses from that case will be allowed to testify during Williams' trial in Ocala.

What happened at the competency hearing?

At the hearing, Assistant Public Defender Sean Gravel took testimony from expert witness Dr. Valerie McClain. The clinical psychologist examined the 33-year-old defendant and also reviewed the man's arrest report, spoke with Williams' mother and looked at his school and medical records and other documents.

She said she does not currently believe Williams is mentally competent to assist in his defense and that he is unable to process information. McClain said Williams cannot remember events, has a drinking problem, is depressed and has difficulty answering questions. In her opinion, Williams should be committed to a state hospital.

Assistant District Attorney Drew Brandies cross-examined McClain. The doctor said Williams graduated from high school without any special qualifications and was able to work. The doctor said she was not familiar with Williams' drinking history and also noted that Williams knew court procedures, such as the roles of a judge, a lawyer and a jury.

Lawyers try to convince the judge

Dr. Tonia Werner, a forensic psychiatrist testifying for the state, said she interviewed Williams and reviewed his medical history and other relevant reports. She said she believes he is competent to stand trial.

Werner said Williams had normal relationships with his peers, was not on welfare, had no history of mental illness and was able to answer questions asked of him.

She said Williams knew the charges, was aware of the severity of the charges and knew how much prison time he could face. She said Williams felt his attorney was doing a good job and that his depression could be treated while he was incarcerated.

During cross-examination, Gravel asked Werner if she knew why the defendant had so many jobs. She did not know.

Gravel told the court he believes his client is incompetent. He believes communication between them in court could be a problem.

Previous coverage: Man arrested in connection with rape at SW Ocala apartment complex

Brandies said Williams understands the charges and the potential penalties and believes he could stand up well in court.

The judge said Werner's arguments were more convincing to him because her interview with Williams was recent. Williams knew the prosecution, conducted herself well during the hearing and was involved in negotiations with the state over the guilty plea.

Contact Austin L. Miller at [email protected]

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