BROKEN COMMANDMENTS The monument has been replaced and is now the subject of a federal lawsuit.

Following a positive report from the State Hospital, Circuit Judge Vann Smith last week approved the conditional release of Michael Reed from the State Hospital, where he’d been treated since his arrest for driving a car into the new 10 Commandments monument on the State Capitol grounds.

Reed was acquitted by reason of mental disease of a criminal mischief charge in the monument destruction last year and was committed for further treatment.

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Last week, the staff of the hospital reported in a commitment  proceeding that Reed’s symptoms were in remission “on no medication.” It added:

“The treatment team believes he can safely be managed in a less restrictive setting at this time and that his release under the proposed conditions for discharge would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to others or serious damage to the property of others.” 

The report said Reed had exhibited no inappropriate behavior for five months.

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The conditions of his release said he will live with his mother in Alma and receive regular outpatient treatment. He’ll not use alcohol or drugs, submit to monitoring and will not drive.  He also may not leave home or the behavioral health center without the consent of his mother, or court monitor.

The judgment was entered Friday.

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Reed destroyed a similar monument in Oklahoma in 2014 and was released after mental health treatment.

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