By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
The defense attorney for the suspect in October's arson at the Roseville Galleria said he was taken aback by a Placer County prosecutor's statement in court today that his client is "mentally competent," but he is not concerned that the information has been made public.
Attorney Johnny L. Griffin III said he had sent another member of his staff to Tuesday's court session at which the Placer County District Attorney's Office was to request dismissal of the Superior Court charges in order to transfer the case to federal court.
During the dismissal proceedings, Deputy District Attorney David Broady stated that defendant Alexander Piggee's medical report concluded that he was mentally competent.
"I think it was inappropriate for the prosecutor to reveal the contents of the report since it is a confidential report and still under seal," Griffin said in a telephone interview.
Broady could not be reached for comment.
Griffin said he believes that Piggee's mental health has improved since October as a result of the care and treatment he has received while incarcerated in Placer County, and that he is sufficiently able to assist in his defense.
However, Piggee is expected to be transferred to Sacramento County Jail and Griffin said he is concerned about the effect that may have on his mental condition.
Griffin said moving the case to federal court is favorable in terms of the penalty his client faces if found guilty. The maximum penalty in the state system is life in prison, compared with a maximum of 40 years if found guilty in federal court.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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