A 41-year-old Turon man found not guilty because the jury believed he suffered mental illness when he threatened law enforcement officers with a machete was sentenced Wednesday morning by Judge Trish Rose for a previous conviction. She gave Bradley Verstraete 21-months for felony battery of a law enforcement officer, but also ordered time served because he has been in custody in the case since February of 2009.

Verstraete was found guilty by a jury on that single count, but couldn’t reach a verdict on the assault charges against law enforcement. The state decided they would retry him on those assault charges and so it was decided to wait for sentencing on that single count until they knew outcome in the second trial. The jury found him not guilty because of mental illness.

Even, though he has served the time for the battery count, there is the question of post release supervision on the battery count.

The judge also wanted to think about whether he should be sent to Larned because of being found not guilty of the assault charges because of mental illness. Judge Rose took both of those items under advisement and expected to issue a written opinion as early as Thursday.

Its conceivable that Verstraete could be on the street soon, depending on the judges ruling.

The incident involving both trials occurred back on February 22, 2008 when police were called to a home at 726 East 1st, on the report of residents having trouble with Verstraete, but also concern for his and others welfare. Verstraete had reportedly threatened four officers with the machete when the arrived at that home.

When we learn of the decision by the judge concerning this case, we’ll let you know.