Judge orders more detailed psych exam for arrested cop
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By Paula Reed Ward, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A Pittsburgh police officer charged with demanding sexual favors from women he met in the course of his work must have a full psychiatric evaluation before a judge will reconsider his release from jail to home electronic monitoring.
Adam Skweres, 34, of Lincoln Place, has been in custody since his arrest last week on charges of bribery, coercion, official oppression and indecent assault.
Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning last week agreed to have Officer Skweres released to home detention pending trial. However, on Tuesday, the judge stayed that order, pending a competency evaluation.
The behavior clinic at the Allegheny County Jail has finished that report, but the judge has now asked for a more detailed workup to ensure both the defendant's and public's safety.
Mr. Skweres' defense attorney, Phillip DiLucente, said he hopes that evaluation will be completed today. If so, his client could appear before the motions judge on Friday, or wait until Monday when Judge Manning returns from a judicial conference in Philadelphia.
"I think Judge Manning is taking every precaution necessary, and I don't argue with that," Mr. DiLucente said.
Mr. Skweres, who is being held in protective custody, is suspended without pay. He joined the Pittsburgh police in 2007.
Mr. DiLucente said he wants his client released to help prepare his defense. A preliminary hearing on the four cases against him is scheduled for March 2.