Counsel for Umel Jackson as well as the federal government need more time to contemplate a resolution to the case and his attorney is expected to introduce a motion requesting a mental health evaluation, according to documents filed earlier this month.
Jackson, who was charged in Halifax County with four counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill during a standoff last May, is currently in custody at Central Prison in Raleigh, his attorney said in the motion. The motion was approved through an order issued by District Judge James C. Dever III which moves Jackson’s arraignment to May 5.
Jackson faces a federal charge of receiving a firearm while under indictment, a charge which is related to a weapon used in the Weldon standoff.
“A large quantity of discovery has been produced to (the) defendant in an initial round,” Jackson’s new attorney, Melissa Hill of Tharrington Smith wrote. “Counsel for defendant and the United States have engaged in preliminary discussions about a potential resolution, however, counsel for defendant needs additional time to review all discovery in this matter, and to obtain all discovery in the related state court proceedings in Halifax County. Counsel for (the) defendant and the United States need additional time to contemplate a resolution.”
In addition, Hill wrote she anticipates filing a preliminary motion regarding a mental health evaluation in the near future.
The federal indictment is based on a criminal complaint filed by an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives which charges him with the federal crime of illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment.
The complaint ties the weapon used in the standoff to one Jackson had obtained while under state indictment.