Competency exam ordered

An examination to determine competency for trial for Mark Ashworth, 51, was ordered Feb. 29 in Whitman County Superior court. Ashworth, who was arrested in Colfax Jan. 27, now faces seven charges. He has remained in jail after bond for his pre-trial release was set at $250,000.

The examination was ordered to be conducted by a member of the Eastern Washington State Hospital staff at the jail here.

Ashworth was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, a .22 pistol which officers said they located after finding him in possession of bullets during a warrant search of his residence.

Ashworth is also charged with two counts each of harassment, intimidation of a witness and violating a protection order. Alleged victim is Ashworth’s ex-wife. The charges allege he has made threats to kill her and burn her house down. Ashworth’s court records include jail reports that allege he has continued to make the threats while he has been incarcerated.

Ashworth has been scheduled for a March 19 trial after pleading not guilty to the charges.