Canton, Ohio, November 28, 2018
Photo: cantonrep.com Richard D. Rhodes, 50, of Lake Township, Ohio, who vandalized two Ohio Orthodox churches in August 2017, was found guilty on Monday when a judge ruled the was mentally unfit to face the charges brought against him, reports CantonRep.com.
Rhodes set fire to St. Nikolai Orthodox Church (OCA) in Marlboro Township and cut down the handcrafted cross in front of nearby St. Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church on the same Sunday morning in late August, 2017. He also spray-painted “Satan” at a nearby Catholic church and shot at several other buildings.
He was taken into custody that Tuesday, August 29, where he confessed to both church attacks. Defense Attorney Bradley Iams then asked that Rhodes undergo evaluation to determine if he is mentally competent to understand the charges against him and to stand trial, arguing that Rhodes has a mental condition.
Stark County Common Pleas Judge Taryn Heath ruled on Monday that Rhodes was not sane when he set the church fire at St. Nikolai’s, following testimony from the Marlboro Township fire chief and the introduction of information on Rhodes’ mental health evaluation.
Iams said Rhodes’ actions were directed by voices in his head.
Rhodes had entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and asked that his case be he decided by the judge rather than a jury.
As Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vance explained, when a defendant is found not guilty due to insanity, he can only be sentenced on the most serious charge, thus several lesser charges concerning Rhodes’ shooting at several other buildings were dropped and Rhodes faced 3 to 11 years in prison on an aggravated arson charge.
However, Rhodes has been getting treatment and counseling at Heartland Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Massillon, Ohio, and does not face prison.
Judge Heath will hear testimony from a mental health professional from the facility where Rhodes is being treated on December 3. The professional is expected to recommend placing Rhodes in the least restrictive setting consistent with public safety and Rhodes’ treatment needs, meaning he will most likely remain at Heartland, though the judge will have the final say.
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