Mitchell man in care of parents until placement hearing

A Mitchell man has been placed in the care of his parents until proper placement is arranged for his developmental disabilities.

Brandon Myears, 27, appeared in court Tuesday for a status hearing with his attorney, Tim Whalen, of Lake Andes. Myears allegedly distributed at least two digital images of child pornography to undercover officers in January.

In a September hearing, the court declared Myears incompetent to proceed to trial. Dr. Mathias Stricherz, a psychologist, examined Myears and said Myears “is unable to understand the charges against him and is unable to assist in his defense,” according to court records.

Myears had been placed at a Yankton facility for people with developmental disabilities and then at LifeQuest in Mitchell. His family, attorney and the state’s attorney have been seeking a new place for him to reside.

Two options — a similar facility to LifeQuest in Vermillion or Volunteers of America — are available, but not immediately.

Judge Sean O’Brien agreed to temporarily place Myears with his parents, requiring him to remain under their supervision and rules of the house, with no access to computers or smartphones.

Another status hearing on permanent placement will take place in 60 days.

Tags: news, updates, crime, local, porn, pornography, child