LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal judge has denied a prosecutor's request that the woman accused in a plot to extort $10 million from Rick Pitino be ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson ruled this week that there was no "reasonable cause" to question Karen Cunagin Sypher's competency. Prosecutors had noted in asking for the exam that Sypher's former attorney had been concerned about her mental state.
Sypher has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to extort money from the University of Louisville basketball coach and lying to the FBI. Pitino has acknowledged a sexual encounter with her at a Louisville restaurant in 2003.
Simpson also denied a motion from prosecutors for a protective order that would have barred Sypher from releasing evidence in the case, namely to the news media. Simpson says there's no need for the order.
