IDAHO FALLS — Court proceedings will now resume for a man suspected of arson after he was released from a state mental hospital.
A psychological evaluation of 41-year-old Jason Schlegel was ordered just days after his arrested in connection to the Brady’s fire at 1445 E. Lincoln Road in Idaho Falls.
In March, prosecutors said results of a psychiatrist’s examination deemed Schlegel was incompetent to participate in court proceedings.
Defendants who suffer from a severe mental illness during the time a crime has been committed and are incapable of communicating with their attorney will typically receive treatment in a mental hospital to restore them to a mental state where they can actively participate in court proceedings.
Schlegel has been treated, and the competency issue has been resolved, according to court records.
A doctor at State Hospital South issued a report stating that he believed Schlegel is fit to proceed in court proceedings. A independent review of Schlegel also supported the competency assessment, according to court records.
Schlegel was scheduled for a preliminary hearing earlier this week. He waived the hearing, which landed the case in district court.
On June 20 Schlegel will appear before District Judge Dane Watkins Jr. for an arraignment hearing. That hearing will be Schlegel first opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty.
Schlegel faces one charge of second-degree arson, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Police say Schlegel is the man seen in this surveillance video setting fire to Brady’s.
Schlegel was arrested shortly after the March 6 fire. Fire officials say damage is estimated at $120,000.
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