Mental Exam Delays Fayetteville Woman's Trial

FAYETTEVILLE — A trial set for Friday was delayed to allow for a mental examination of a woman charged with felony sexual indecency with a child.

Tasha Lyn Yoakum, 21, of 2080 N. Susan Carol Ave., is accused of exchanging nude photos with a 14-year-old junior high school student. An acquaintance of Yoakum reported the exchange after seeing pictures on Yoakum’s laptop computer, according to an affidavit for a warrant Yoakum’s arrest.

The juvenile admitted to exchanging the photos and said the exchange was at Yoakum’s request, according to the affidavit.

The juvenile’s phone included messages referring to the photos. One message said Yoakum wanted to sleep with the juvenile, according to the affidavit.

The mental examination was requested by Yoakum’s attorney. Mental exams are done to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, whether they understand the proceedings against them and whether they can assist in their own defense.

Yoakum’s trial in Washington County Circuit Court was reset for Dec. 16.

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