Doctors: Suspect can be made fit for trial

Doctors believe a man accused of molesting four Lincolnshire boys can be restored to fitness and face trial, a Lake County judge was told Tuesday.

Prosecutors Ari Fisz and Reginald Matthews said the evaluation of Paul Olsson, 20, states that doctors with the Illinois Department of Human Services believe a treatment regimen being designed for Olsson should have him ready for trial within a year.

Olsson was arrested in September 2005 and charged with molesting four boys while working as a counselor at the Lincolnshire Bath and Tennis Club.

After firing his first attorney in January of this year, Olsson claimed he could not persuade another lawyer to take his case.

At the same time, he refused to cooperate with any of three attorneys Circuit Judge Fred Foreman appointed to represent him.

Foreman repeatedly warned Olsson against using such tactics to delay his trial, but the trial was put off indefinitely last month when a psychologist declared Olsson mentally unfit.

Foreman ordered the Department of Human Services to take custody of Olsson, who had posted $250,000 for bond, for treatment.

Fisz said the state doctors believe Olsson's lack of understanding of how the legal process works is so pervasive he would be unable to assist in his defense, but that problem could be corrected through treatment.

Fisz said the doctors will inform the court when Olsson has been restored to fitness.

If convicted of the multiple counts of criminal sexual assault an aggravated criminal sexual abuse against him, Olsson could face up to 60 years in prison.