WICHITA – A federal judge has found a Hutchinson man competent to stand trial on charges of threatening the president of the United States.

U-S District Judge J. Thomas Marten made the ruling following a competency hearing Thursday for Michael Scott Ramsey.

In September, while in Reno County District Court, Ramsey was sentenced to 43-months in state prison for violating his parole, but also removing a GPS device he was required to have attached to him as part of his parole.

He had also served time in state prison for unlawful sexual relations with a minor for a case from 2004. He was paroled in Harvey County, but absconded and a warrant was issued for his arrest and was eventually found, but didn’t have the GPS tracking device on him.

In federal court, Ramsey is charged with two counts of threatening the president, with the alleged crimes occurring between July 1, 2009, and July 7, 2011.

He’s alleged to have made statements while in custody, but was considered no real threat the president. However, a threat of any kind is unlawful and is prosecuted by the feds.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The hearing in federal court comes after Ramsey underwent a psychological examination and evaluation at a federal medical center. Officials determined he had the ability to understand the proceedings against him and assist in his own defense.

*The Associated Press contributed to this report.