An area man facing charges of child pornography and criminal sexual conduct with a minor has been found competent to stand trial.

62-year-old Derek Timothy Watson of Fenton Township was found competent following a forensic exam ordered by his original, court-appointed attorney. Watson returns to Genesee County’s 67th District Court Thursday.

District Court Judge William Crawford will preside over the hearing where evidence and witnesses from both sides will be brought forth. The preliminary exam will determine whether there’s enough evidence to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.

Watson is facing seven felony charges, three of which are first-degree criminal sexual conduct with an individual under 13 years of age. He is also charged with one count each of child sexually abusive activity, possession of child sexually abusive material, felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.

Court records indicate the charges stem from an alleged incident in January of 2013 that involved a 12-year-old female who is now 15. She came forward with allegations against Watson that led to his arrest in December. The Tri-County Times reports bail was previously denied for Watson and he remains lodged in the Genesee County Jail. (DK)