MOUNT VERNON — Shane E. Roberts, 53, charged with multiple firearms violations for firing at a building in Fredericktown last fall, was found not guilty by reason of insanity and mentally ill subject to hospitalization by Common Pleas Judge Otho Eyster on Thursday. Roberts will receive treatment in the community and must meet the terms of a program developed by Mental Health and Recovery of Licking and Knox Counties or he will be subject to jail and/or hospitalization.
The hearing Thursday was held following the receipt of an evaluation by the Mansfield Forensic V Diagnostic Center on whether Roberts is mentally ill and subject to hospitalization. Both attorneys (Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher and defense attorney John Dilts) stipulated to the contents of the report, so it was not read in court. The center had earlier completed a report that concluded Roberts was unable to comprehend the lawlessness of his actions at the time of the incident.
Eyster issued his ruling after Kay Spergal, forensic monitor for Mental Health and Recovery of Licking and Knox Counties, explained the treatment plan developed by the agency.
