DOTHAN, Ala. — A Dothan man charged with sexual assault and attempted rape has been denied a request for a second mental evaluation. Anthony Salmon, 35, faces one count of sexual abuse in the first degree and one count of attempted rape in the first degree, stemming from an alleged incident at the Dothan-Houston County Library on North Oates Street.
Last week, Judge Christopher Richardson of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court rejected a request from Salmon and his defense team to allocate $2,000 in funds for a psychiatrist to conduct a second mental evaluation. In his ruling, Judge Richardson emphasized that Salmon had already undergone a mental evaluation by a state-appointed psychiatrist in December 2022, shortly after his arrest. The initial evaluation deemed him competent to stand trial, a key determination in the legal process.
In addition to the mental health assessment, Judge Richardson referenced a letter from Salmon, in which he purportedly detailed his involvement in the alleged crimes. The contents of the letter were not disclosed publicly, but the judge’s acknowledgment of it suggested that Salmon may have provided an account of the incident from his perspective.
Salmon’s arrest followed allegations that he sexually assaulted and attempted to rape a woman inside the library. According to authorities, the victim reported the assault to law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Dothan Police Department. Police have not released further details about the incident, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
The decision to deny a second mental evaluation has raised questions about the defense strategy and the legal proceedings moving forward. As of now, Salmon remains in custody, and the court has yet to set a trial date. The case continues to attract attention as it moves through the judicial system.
As the trial approaches, legal experts will be watching closely to see if any new developments arise, including potential motions for a re-evaluation or other procedural actions that could impact the case’s outcome.
