LAKEPORT >> A Hercules man accused of starting two wildland fires in June will return to Lake County after the state declined Jail-Based Competency Treatment.
During a recent hearing, the Lake County Superior Court received the recommendation from the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) for the Department of State Hospitals that Merrill Craig Brown be delivered to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, confined and treated under the care of the state hospital system. The involuntary administration of anti-psychotic medication is authorized when and as prescribed by the defendant’s treating psychiatrist.
Brown, 64, 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.
Court proceeding were suspended and the matter referred to CONREP and doctors appointed to examine the defendant.
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.
Brown, who was born in Lakeport, is being held on $100,000 bail and remains in custody.
The matter is now continued for a Review if Transported Hearing on September 6 at 8:15 a.m. in Department 4.
