Feb. 09--A Westmont man was found not guilty by reason of insanity Tuesday in vandalizing a west suburban synagogue.
John D. White was ordered to be remanded to the Illinois Department of Human Services after DuPage County Judge George Bakalis issued his ruling in White's bench trial on charges of vandalism, committing a hate crime and not having a valid firearm owner ID card.
Bakalis' ruling came after he heard testimony in a one-day trial last week that White, who has a history of mental troubles, could not appreciate the criminality of his behavior. The judge said there was "clear and convincing evidence" of insanity.
White, 41, has been in custody since police arrested him outside the Etz Chaim temple in Lombard on Oct. 21, 2014. Police said he was driving his SUV through the yard of the synagogue after breaking seven windows.
He had also left two knives and a hatchet outside the front entrance and had written "death" in pencil on the door, authorities said. Following his arrest, White gave nonsensical answers to police, and his mother reported that he had suffered mental troubles, according to authorities.
Police testified at trial they found a large cache of weapons and ammunition of White's at his mother's home, along with prescribed medication that White had apparently not been taking.
Two experts evaluated White, and both said he could not appreciate the criminality of this acts when he desecrated the synagogue.
Attorney Joseph Solon, who along with attorney Jeff Kendall, represented White, said the judge made the correct ruling in finding White insane.
"There was no other way to see it, really," Solon said.
At one point during his evaluation, White told a psychiatrist that a "divine angel" had spoken to him, and that the angel was Ronald Reagan, the judge noted.
White, who his attorney said is getting regular medication, is doing much better and has almost no recollection of his actions. Solon said White has nothing against Jewish people and has made restitution to the synagogue. At trial, prosecutors said White caused about $6,500 in damage.
Depending on the evaluation, White could be involuntarily committed to a mental institution, or the DHS could recommend outpatient treatment, Solon said.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
