Father in Pennsylvania Hidden Children Case Wants Trial

YORK, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania man accused of hiding his five children from the world opposes a competency petition filed by his previous attorney.

The attorney for Sinhue Johnson says his client wants to stand trial on charges of child endangerment for allegedly keeping his children sequestered at a central Pennsylvania home without birth certificates, schooling or evidence of medical care.

But defense attorney Korey Leslie says he is bound by law to argue Johnson is not competent to stand trial because a former attorney had requested a mental-health evaluation.

Johnson he withdrew his request for a second mental-health evaluation on Monday.

The children's mother, Louann Bowers, was released from prison in May after pleading no-contest. She gave birth to a sixth child in jail.

Johnson's competency hearing is scheduled for October 25.