Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, 92, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting a teenage boy decades ago in Massachusetts. A prosecution expert's assessment raises significant questions about the case's future, according to recent disclosures. McCarrick, who has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty in 2021, also faces charges in Wisconsin for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old over 45 years ago.

McCarrick's legal team had previously requested dismissal of the case in February, citing a medical expert's diagnosis of dementia, likely Alzheimer's disease. They argued that his cognitive decline hindered his ability to effectively participate in his defense. Prosecutors then commissioned their own expert evaluation, the findings of which have not been publicly released. A competency hearing is scheduled for August 30th.

McCarrick is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. Because he left Massachusetts, the statute of limitations was paused, allowing for the charges to be brought. Mitchell Garabedian, representing the accuser, expressed his client's discouragement at the expert's findings, but emphasized the victim's commitment to pursuing civil lawsuits in other states as a means of empowerment and advocating for child safety.

The accuser detailed a long-standing relationship with McCarrick, who was close to his family and often referred to as "Uncle Ted." The alleged abuse occurred over several years, including an incident at the accuser's brother's wedding reception at Wellesley College when he was 16. The man claims McCarrick lured him away under the pretense of a conversation requested by his father, then groped him during a walk and again in a coat room, instructing him to recite prayers afterward.

Ordained in 1958, McCarrick rose to prominence within the Catholic Church but was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 following a Vatican investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving both adults and children. The Vatican's own internal review revealed a pattern of downplaying and dismissing reports of McCarrick's misconduct over many years, leading to a significant credibility crisis for the Church.