Mental Health of Jailed U.S. Marine Andrew Tahmooressi Evaluated in Mexican Court

His attorney argues the Mexican prison system cannot treat his PTSD

A U.S. Marine who has been locked up in Mexico for six months will undergo a mental evaluation that will be reviewed by the judge in the case later this week.

Two psychiatrists will evaluate the state of Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi’s post-traumatic stress disorder and present their reports to a federal judge, according to defense attorney Fernando Benitez.

Weapons charges against Tahmooressi, a 25-year-old Florida resident, are pending after he crossed the San Ysidro Port of Entry in April with three U.S.-registered guns in his truck.

When he was arrested, Tahmooressi was getting treatment for PTSD, his attorney says.

Benitez claims under Mexican sentencing laws, prisoners are jailed to receive rehabilitation in order to be productive members of society upon their release.

However, the government does not have the resources to treat PTSD, the lawyer says.

A psychiatrist for the defense has already evaluated Tahmooressi. The prosecution’s psychiatrist was sworn in as an expert witness Monday and was expected to meet with the Marine the same day at El Hongo State Penitentiary.

Meanwhile, a U.S. congressional subcommittee hearing will take up the issue of Tahmooressi's detention on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

During the hearing titled "Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi" Our Marine in Mexican Custody," Tahmooressi's mother Jill is expected to testify, as well as veterans advocate Navy Lt. Cmdr. Montel Williams, Pete Hegseth with Concerned Veterans for America and Marine Sgt. Robert Buchanan, who served with Tahmooressi.

Benitez filed the mental health motion earlier this month in federal court and in the appeals court, trying to get Tahmooressi’s case thrown out.

His family says Tahmooressi accidentally made a wrong turn into Mexico while three firearms sat in his truck: a 12-gauge loaded shotgun, a 5.56-caliber loaded rifle and a .45-caliber loaded pistol.

Mexican officials claim the Marine knew the crossing well, citing information from U.S. authorities that shows he entered the San Ysidro Port on three prior occasions.

The veteran of two tours of Afghanistan who is now in the reserves was in San Diego in March to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The defense wants to prove that Tahmooressi was not given an interpreter or legal representation while in custody for the eight hours before he was presented to a Mexican federal prosecutor.

Benitez alleges the evidence will show how the suspect’s rights were violated by the customs agents who arrested him.

Contact Us