Legal News

Arsonist needs treatment before sentencing, defense attorney charges

By Richard Binder

Attorney Susan Dondershine, the defense lawyer for a man convicted of arson in 2007, charges in a strongly worded pleading to the U.S. District Court that her client is suffering from severe mental health issues in Santa Clara County Main Jail -- issues that must be addressed before sentencing moves forward.

Donald Ray Williams has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and suffers from persistent paranoia, insisting that prison employees are poisoning his food, according to a jail staff member's report that Dondershine attached to the pleading.  Williams' refusal to shower and clean his jail cell has also prompted several complaints on his tier.

Judge Jeremy Fogel says he has been working with U.S. Marshalls to ensure Williams is getting proper treatment, but because the Main Jail is part of the state and not federal system, his authority is limited.

Williams' status hearing will continue on Aug. 19 in U.S. District Court in San Jose. He could eventually face up to 20 years in prison.

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Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on August 17, 2009 (boomark / email).