TACOMA, Wash., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A Washington judge ruled a man whose wife disappeared from their Utah home in 2009 cannot take custody of his children until he has a psycho-sexual evaluation.
Josh Powell's sons, ages 7 and 5, have been in the custody of his missing wife's parents, Charles and Judith Cox, since September when Josh's father, Steve, was arrested for voyeurism and possession of child pornography. Josh and his sons had been living with his father at the time of the arrest, though he has since found a new place.
A mental-health professional recommended the evaluation Wednesday after learning Utah police found images of a sexual nature on a computer connected to Josh during the investigation into the disappearance of his wife, Susan Cox Powell, The (Tacoma, Wash.) News Tribune reported.
Josh Powell's attorney, Jeffrey Bassett, argued police couldn't prove the images belonged to his client and said a polygraph test should suffice.
Superior Court Judge Kathryn Nelson agreed to the evaluation and determined the children should continue living with the Coxes.
"I see no reason to disturb the current placement that is going so well for these children," Nelson said.
Josh Powell has been investigated for his wife's disappearance but has not been charged. He said he took his sons out for a camping trip and returned home to find Susan missing.
