Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — A Royalton man facing a rape charge will return next month to Niagara County Court once his IQ is determined.
Christopher B. LaForme Jr., 27, of Berner Parkway, is charged with three counts of third-degree rape, two counts of first-degree disseminating indecent material to a minor, three counts of second-degree criminal contempt and a single count of third-degree criminal sexual act.
At a hearing Monday, LaForme was about to agree to a plea offer when Judge Sara S. Farkas asked if he was in good mental health and if he had any past mental health issues. The questions are asked of all defendants who wish to agree to a plea offer.
LaForme indicated he did have a past mental health issue, but could not remember what it was. Any documentation had been thrown out, but LaForme’s family did say his IQ was 48. The average IQ for an adult is usually around 100.
Farkas stopped the proceeding, saying if that was true then LaForme could not agree to the deal.
“We can’t do this plea,” the judge said. “We need verification.”
LaForme will return to court Nov. 8.
LaForme is accused of raping a 15-year-old, then sending text messages to the victim allegedly asking her to meet him again in Lockport and change the story she was telling police. The messages also asked her to perform certain sexual acts. All of these incidents allegedly occurred in the spring.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth R. Donatello said part of the plea deal including dismissing a criminal contempt charge in Lockport Town Court.
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
