Judge orders inpatient competency restoration for two defendants; another case faces dismissal after restoration time expires

A Jefferson County judge found two defendants incompetent to stand trial and ordered inpatient competency restoration, and the court recorded that the state must dismiss a third case after the statutory restoration hold expired.

The court found Samuel Jones not competent to stand trial after considering a competency evaluation dated April 1, 2025, and ordered “inpatient competency restoration … for a period of not to exceed 120 days.” The judge said, “you’re gonna go to an appropriate hospital so that they can get you in a position where you can understand everything that’s going on, and we’ll get you back here and take care of your cases.”

The judge reached the same conclusion for Jonathan Rashard after taking judicial notice of an evaluation from Dr. Grapon dated April 4, 2025, and ordered inpatient restoration “not to exceed 120 days” so the hospital can attempt competency restoration.

By contrast, the court addressed Londie Vick’s long-running competency restoration placement and concluded she had not regained competency within the statutory time for a state-jail-felony restoration hold. The prosecutor explained that Vick “was found incompetent by this court and sent … in July of ’23” to a state hospital and that she “has failed to regain competency.” The prosecutor added that staff had “tried several, several different locations” to continue treatment and that the state was now “in a position to now have to dismiss the case.” The judge told courtroom staff she would “sign that when it comes through.”

What happened - Samuel Jones: Judge took judicial notice of a competency report (dated April 1, 2025) and ordered inpatient competency restoration for up to 120 days. The defendant was remanded to the bailiff for transport to a hospital placement. - Jonathan Rashard: Court took judicial notice of Dr. Grapon’s April 4, 2025 report and ordered inpatient competency restoration for up to 120 days. - Londie Vick: Court found she has not regained competency and is beyond the allowable hold for a state-jail felony; the prosecutor said the state is positioned to dismiss the case and the judge said she will sign the dismissal when it is submitted.

Why it matters Competency determinations and inpatient restoration orders pause criminal proceedings while the courts and treatment facilities attempt to restore a defendant’s capacity to understand the charges and assist counsel. When restoration efforts exhaust the statutory period without success, as the prosecutor said here in Vick’s case, prosecutors may be required to dismiss criminal charges even if treatment continues to be sought.

Court process and next steps The judge ordered institutional placement for Jones and Rashard for up to 120 days and instructed staff to await restoration reports. For Vick, probation and jail staff have continued outreach to locate appropriate placements, and the court recorded that dismissal paperwork will be signed once submitted by the state.