HOUGHTON — A Chassell man accused of 12 counts related to child pornography will undergo an independent forensic examination regarding his competency to stand trial.

Kyle Britz, 18, was arrested in July after a Michigan State Police investigation stemming from a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

In August, he was referred for a competency exam. The court received an evaluation from the Department of Health and Human Services Sept. 21.

Britz’s attorney, David Gemignani, said he was “somewhat surprised” at the report’s conclusions after reviewing some of the questions the examiner had asked Britz.

“Based on the responses I was getting, I really intend to get an independent examination,” he said. “… I would request that the hearing be continued until after we have a report from an independent examiner to make a final determination. But I still have questions with regards to competency.”

Britz faces six counts of using a computer to commit a crime, a felony punishable by 20 years to life; three counts of child sexually abusive activity-aggravated, a 25-year felony; and three counts of child sexually abusive material-aggravated possession, a 10-year felony;

Another hearing was scheduled to take place within 30 to 45 days.