The former Half Moon Bay police officer accused of stealing $5,700 from the Police Officers Association is mentally fit to stand trial for embezzlement, according to court-appointed doctors.

Friday’s competency conclusion mean Askia Mohammed Johnson, 39, will stand trial Oct. 9 for allegedly making 36 separate withdrawals from the POA account between 2008 and 2010 while serving as its head.

Johnson actually objected to his attorney’s request for mental evaluations but a judge opted to halt criminal proceedings until the matter was resolved. Had the doctors found him unfit to aid in his own defense, Johnson would have been treated at a state mental facility.

Johnson, who has pleaded not guilty, has said publicly the money was a loan similar to those taken by other officers while he was president of the POA. Prosecutors also say Johnson did repay at least $4,000.

Johnson is free from custody on his own recognizance. He returns to court July 20 for a hearing to fire his court-appointed attorney.