A man accused of leaving notes threatening to kill the pastor and congregation at a church in San Carlos is eligible for a mental health program to prevent jail time, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
Paul Michaelson, 79, of San Carlos, will appear in court Dec. 11 to decide if he will be picked for mental health diversion treatment. If he enters and completes the one-year-program, he would not have to go to a jury trial, and the case would be dismissed, the DA’s office said.
Michaelson allegedly left multiple notes at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church threatening the pastor and congregation. The threats discussed going to the church with a firearm and killing the pastor first and other church members after. The pastor and congregation took the threats seriously and were fearful of the threats being carried out, the DA’s office said.
The DA’s office and the defense agreed Michaelson is eligible for the mental health diversion treatment after discussions. To be eligible for the program, the defense had to show information that Michaelson had a serious mental health disorder that can be treated and solved in the program, the DA’s office said.
Michaelson is out on $150,000 bond. The court has issued an order for no contact between Michaelson and the victims.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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