A claim of insanity is being planned for a Pontiac woman charged with several counts of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency, court records show.

This week, attorney Monika Sanford, representing Anna Purdy, filed a notice of intent to assert an insanity defense in Oakland County Circuit Court. In her court filing, she states that cognitive assessments of Purdy suggest “she is struggling with moderate cognitive impairment” with her scoring in the “extremely low range” for intelligence. Purdy is unable to read and a “full neuropsychological evaluation was recommended,” Sanford stated.

Judge Kwame Rowe ordered a forensic examination for Purdy, as requested by her attorney. A status conference is scheduled for Dec. 16.

Co-defendant Patrick Henke is facing 13 charges, including second-degree criminal sexually conduct, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and multiple counts of second-degree child abuse, aggravated indecent exposure and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The cases against Purdy and Henke unfolded last January, with investigators participating in multiple Care House interviews with the alleged victims, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Purdy initially confirmed the alleged crimes were committed by Henke, but further investigation indicated she was an accessory to the alleged abuse and she was also arrested, the sheriff’s office said.

Purdy was released on a personal bond in July, which requires no money or surety to be posted. Henke was also released in July after posting 10% of a $25,000 bond. Both are scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Jan. 13, 2025 before Rowe.