Comments on: Century Man Arrested 15 Times In A Year Found Incompetent To Stand Trial

By: Just An Old Soldier

Just An Old Soldier — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:15:59 +0000

Sooner or later, there will be a tragic outcome regarding this poor fellow…I wonder how many other people will be harmed when that happens?

By: McDavidResident

McDavidResident — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:24:14 +0000

To Escambiate:
You`re correct in your definition of what incompentancy can mean in a majority of cases…however, if Mr Newton had only a few arrests I could understand the charges being dropped due to his incompetency. This individual has 15 arrests some of which should be concidered of a potential to be a cause of harm for others.
It should have become obvious to the courts after the 3rd maybe 4th arrest that Mr Newton is not competant and should require some sort of supervision, if not for his own safety, at the very least for the people in the community.
This is like the court system/state of Florida is enabling him to continue to be breaking laws.
A child cant comprehend certain things and needs supervision and guidance.
Some adults unfortunitely have the mental capacity of a child and should require supervision too.

By: E S C A M B I A T E

E S C A M B I A T E — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:59:02 +0000

As to the law:

If the court determines that a defendant’s mental condition makes him unable to understand the charges and proceedings, or that he is unable to help in his defense, he is found incompetent. Legally, this does not mean a person is cleared of wrongdoings. It is not a get out of jail free card. It means the person will face the charges later on (if and when they are in a better mental position to do so). Also, being incompetent is not the same as being declared “insane.”

Why they would release a person such as Mr. Newton is beyond me and shows incompetence. The legal system has a duty to protect the citizens and Mr. Newton from himself.

Hello?!

By: Concerned Mom

Concerned Mom — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:17:45 +0000

“The baker act only gives a 72 hour solution. It would not serve this man in any way other then to give him a funded ride downtown and a short vacation.

Simple answers are not.”

That is only true, in part. When a patient is held under the Baker Act, the admitting psychiatrist can deem the person a danger to himself or others and petition the court to hold him longer. This is the reason that court sessions are held weekly at psychiatric hospitals. I would recommend any person who comes in contact with this man and is fearful, based on his actions, to contact local law enforcement. The Baker Act, when used properly, CAN have an effect!

By: McDavidResident

McDavidResident — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 21:03:39 +0000

Who decided this person was “incompetant”? Was it court appointed psychiatrists? If it was through a certified court appointed psychiatrist, the State of Florida has an obligation to protect the community where he resides. Steps that need to be taken are #1, have him baker acted #2, appoint a guardian and #3, hold any guardian accountable for the actions of this person. If this person is truly “incompetant”!

By: Name (required)

Name (required) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:24:58 +0000

The baker act only gives a 72 hour solution. It would not serve this man in any way other then to give him a funded ride downtown and a short vacation.

Simple answers are not.

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:45:57 +0000

REGARDING:
“Take a moment an review yourselves, how many of these charges have you avoided being caught or talked your way out of. I’m not saying that what he has done is not in Violation of the Law’s, BUT, this is America NOT Russia, NOT China, maybe a Third world town.
We do have Freedom, Justice, and Equality for all, RIGHT”

Putting yourself in the other fellow’s shoes is a good thing but have you really done all the things he has been charged with? did you really talk yourself out of trouble for lewd lascivious behavior toward a victim under 18, criminal mischief over $1,000, aggravated stalking, multiple and repeated battery charges?

I guess you learned your lessons well.

When you speak dismissively of “Violation of the Law’s, BUT, this is America NOT Russia, NOT China, maybe a Third world town.” you sound as if you think they are the only ones who expect laws to be obeyed. Interesting if true.

If I’m reading this correctly, the courts have decided he doesn’t have the mental capacity or function to understand what he keeps doing is wrong. That’s sad for him if true. It would be nice if help existed anywhere on earth to fix his problem. Me not know.

But equal justice would include protection of those being harmed. Thus, there isn’t really “justice and equality for all” which allows it to continue, is there? He isn’t the only one needing justice, not the only one needing protection.

David for a perfect world

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 12:56:48 +0000

For all your conservatives the only answer in this case is more government involvement. Lakeview USED to be subsidized by the state to house just these types of individuals but that funding has been cut due to conservative governor. By LAW you cannot be found guilty or a crime if you are incompetent to proceed with trial. The courts could send him to State Hospital at Chat. to gain competence to stand trial but then what? Taking care of the mentally ill IS societies responsibility. How do we do that, I have no idea.

By: RN

RN — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:51:45 +0000

If an individual is a threat to himself or someone else he can be Baker Acted on the spot. I know for a fact he has threatened others with bodily harm as I have heard it with my own ears. Flomaton PD was called and “didn’t want to get involved”. They knew him well and didn’t want to be bothered. If he were Baker Acted he would automatically spend a minimum time period in a facility for observation, which would surely prove he needs to committed. Also, to some comments, his family is very enabling.

By: Mr. Pro.

Mr. Pro. — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:46:45 +0000

WOW!!!!! The passion of the people exposed again. Kill him. Confine him with other’s in a Mental Institution. Our Judical System failed us again. A Pawn for Law Enforcement. Every town has a Ron Newton. Take a moment an review yourselves, how many of these charges have you avoided being caugnt or talked your way out of. I’m not saying that what he has done is not in Violation of the Law’s, BUT, this is America NOT Russia, NOT China, maybe a Third world town.
We do have Freedom, Justice, and Equality for all, RIGHT?