Trial set for man accused of assaulting women on University of Iowa campus

IOWA CITY - A man accused of assaulting several women in and around the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in November 2015 is scheduled to go to trial in May.

During a hearing on Friday, Judge Paul Miller set Adam Weinstein's trial for May 23.

Weinstein, 34, faces one count of third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and three counts of third-degree harassment for incidents alleged to have occurred on Nov. 10, 2015. Authorities said Weinstein grabbed or inappropriately touched women in and around the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in five different attacks. The first two assaults prompted a Hawk Alert to go out to University of Iowa students, authorities added.

Weinstein's case had been on hold since November, but proceedings were reinstated on Friday.

Last June, Weinstein's attorney sought a mental health evaluation and in November Judge Marsha Bergan ruled Weinstein was incompetent to stand trial and suspended proceedings. In her ruling, Bergan said Weinstein suffered from schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type and 'possibility other debilitating mental conditions” which prevented him from understanding the nature of his charges and court proceedings and assisting in his own defense.

Earlier this month, Miller said he had been notified by staff at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center that Weinstein had been 'restored to competency.” During Friday's hearing, Weinstein's attorney, Eric Tindal said he did not refute those findings and that an independent evaluation confirmed Weinstein's competency.

While Weinstein's competency has been restored and he can go to trial on the allegations, Tindal said his client's mental state at the time of the alleged attacks could still come into play. Tindal said he is evaluating whether to use diminished responsibility or insanity as defenses in the case.

Third-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Third-degree harassment is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

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