LAKEPORT >> A man accused of starting two wildland fires in June had court proceedings suspended after questions arose regarding his mental competency to stand trial.
Doctors appointed by the Lake County Superior Court to examine Merrill Craig Brown, reported back to the court recently. After reading their findings and considering the situation, Judge Andrew Blum issued the declaration.
Brown, 64 of Hercules, had entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of arson during a hearing at the court. However, his attorney, Thomas Quinn, raised doubts about his client.
Law enforcement officials suspect Brown in two fires, one outside of Lakeport and one near Kelseyville. Both were quickly doused by firefighters before they could spread and cause damage.
He was arrested after firefighters with the Lakeport Fire Protection District noticed him at the scene of the small Lakeport blaze.
Brown allegedly told them he had started the fire by accident.
All criminal proceedings are suspended until the defendant is restored to mental competency and the matter is referred to CONREP (the Conditional Release Program for the California Department of State Hospitals) for a placement recommendation of the defendant.
Brown, who was born in Lakeport, is being held on $100,000 bail and remains in custody.
The matter is continued for a placement hearing on August 8 at 8:15 a.m. in Department 4 and the defendant is ordered to be present.
