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2010 shadow campaign worker Vernon Hawkins can be sentenced despite purported mental problems, according to a new report from a psychologist.
The 76-year-old Hawkins, a key player in the Jeff Thompson-funded shadow campaign to elect Vince Gray mayor, pleaded guilty in 2013 to helping to cover up the operation.
Despite striking a deal to cooperate with prosecutors in the now-closed investigation, though, Hawkins’ attorney claimed last month that Hawkins’ ability to cooperate was hampered by an unnamed “significant cognitive impairment.”
It’s not clear how much Hawkins’ purported memory loss prompted the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s decision to close the investigation without charging Gray. According to a new review from a psychologist, however, Hawkins’ mental problems shouldn’t stop him from being sentenced in May.
“Although Mr. Hawkins continues to suffer from some memory impairment, he is competent to proceed to sentencing,” reads the court notice, filed by Hawkins’ attorney.
Photo courtesy LL tipster