ORDER

JAMES E. GATES, Magistrate Judge.

This case comes before the court sua sponte, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4241 (a), concerning defendant's mental competency. Defendant appeared before the court today for an initial appearance on the indictment (D.E. 1) against him. Based on the court's observation of defendant's statements and conduct in the courtroom and without objection by counsel, the court finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED as follows:

1. Defendant shall be examined by at least one qualified psychiatrist or psychologist under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 4241(b) and§ 4247(b) and (c) to determine if he is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense.

2. Defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or his designated representative for placement in a suitable facility for purposes of the examination. Such placement shall occur as soon as possible. Defendant shall remain in the custody of the facility until his release is ordered by this court.

3. The court recommends that defendant be placed at FMC-Butner because of its proximity to defendant's counsel.

4. Defendant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for private consultation with defense counsel. On order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the government, the person in charge of the corrections facility shall deliver defendant to the United States Marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding.

5. The report on the examination shall be prepared, served, and filed in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 4247(c). The report shall be filed within 14 days after the examination. At the time that the certified report is filed with the court, a copy of the report shall be sent directly to the chambers of the undersigned Magistrate Judge.

6. Further court proceedings in this case are continued pending order of the court after resolution of the competency issue.

7. To the extent that the Speedy Trial Act is deemed applicable at this stage of this case, the delay that results from the examination and continuance provided for herein shall be excluded from the Speedy Trial Act computation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(1)(A) on the grounds that the ends of justice served by granting such relief outweigh the interests of the public and defendant in more expeditious proceedings.

8. No later than 13 March 2018, counsel shall file a joint report on the status of defendant's placement and evaluation. The memorandum shall include: the identity of the facility at which defendant has been, or is scheduled to be, placed for the evaluation; the expected date of completion of the evaluation if not already completed (to the extent reasonably obtainable) or, if completed, the date of completion; and if not already submitted to the court, the expected date of submission of the report on the evaluation (to the extent reasonably obtainable).

9. No later than 10 April 2018 and every 30 days thereafter until the report required herein is filed, counsel shall file a joint report on the status of defendant's placement and evaluation, which shall include the same information required in the preceding paragraph to the extent not previously provided in a status report.

SO ORDERED.