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Man accused of kidnapping 8-year-old Fort Worth girl may suffer 'psychological impediment,' attorney says

A federal judge has ordered 51-year-old Michael Webb to undergo an assessment to see if he is competent to stand trial.

A federal judge has ordered accused kidnapper Michael Webb to undergo an assessment to determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial. 

Webb is accused of grabbing an 8-year-old girl while she was walking with her mother in May in Fort Worth. The girl was found hours later with Webb in a Forest Hill hotel room. 

The 51-year-old man may suffer from a "psychological impediment," court records show. Federal prosecutors did not oppose the defense attorney's motion to have Webb evaluated. 

A judicial order filed Friday cancels trial settings in the case and could delay the criminal proceedings for at least a month. 

RELATED: Michael Webb indicted in kidnapping of 8-year-old girl in Fort Worth

Webb was indicted last month on the federal kidnapping charge. He initially indicated he would plead guilty in the case. 

He also faces a state charge of aggravated kidnapping and six charges of aggravated sexual assault in connection with the girl's abduction. 

A Forest Hill police officer searched Webb's hotel room two hours before the girl was found. He was later fired in connection with his handling of the kidnapping investigation. 

RELATED: Forest Hill officer who failed to find kidnapped 8-year-old girl has been fired

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