Feds: Militia Member Mentally Ill, Not Ready For Trial
DETROIT (AP) - Federal prosecutors believe one of nine members of a Michigan-based militia is not mentally competent to stand trial.
The government is asking a Detroit judge to hold a competency hearing for Jacob Ward after an expert found him to be delusional and paranoid. In a court filing Thursday, prosecutors say it will be difficult to restore his mental health so that he can assist in his defense but medication should help.
Ward and others are charged with conspiring to commit rebellion against the government. They were rounded up more than a year ago, mostly in southern Michigan. Trial is set for Sept. 13.
Ward is from Huron, Ohio. He's been free on bond since May 2010. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney Friday.
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