Josh Powell Denied Custody of Kids Because of Images Found on Computer
The husband of missing Utah mother Susan Powell was denied custody of his children once again and will have to undergo a psychosexual evaluation and polygraph test in order to get them back.
Josh Powell is the only named person-of-interest in Susan Powell's 2009 disappearance, but he has not been charged. The couple's two sons were placed in custody of Susan Powell's parents in 2011 after Josh Powell's father, Steve Powell, was arrested on charges of voyeurism and child pornography. Josh Powell was not charged in relation to the crimes.
But at a hearing Wednesday, a statement from the West Valley City, Utah, police noted that information and images were found on Josh Powell's computer that "specifically related to their children's welfare," according to ABC affiliate KTVX. They did not specify what the information was, but Judge Kathryn J. Nelson ruled that because of that information, Josh Powell would not be able to have his children back until he submitted to a psychosexual evaluation and a polygraph test, the report said.
The attorney representing Josh Powell, Jeff Bassett, said the ruling was unfair to his client, who has not been charged with any crimes. "Utah was dangling the alleged content of this disk. If this disk contains what they're saying it contains why haven't they arrested my client?" he said at the hearing.
The children will remain with Chuck and Judy Cox until the Josh Powell's next hearing, scheduled for July. Josh Powell is allowed twice-weekly visitations with his sons during that time, KTVX reported.