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Suspect in Lincolnshire molestation case sane, doctors say

A Kildeer man accused of molesting four Lincolnshire boys is mentally fit to stand trial, according to doctors of the state Department of Human Services.

But in keeping with the style he has displayed since his arrest in September 2005, Paul Olsson announced Tuesday he does not intend to accept the finding.

Olsson, who has battled with judges and attorneys over his right to choose a lawyer on his own terms, was found unfit for trial in October.

His $2.5 million bond was revoked and he was sent to a hospital in Elgin for mental health treatment.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ari Fisz said Tuesday that Olsson refused to participate in any treatment while confined in Elgin.

Nonetheless, Fisz said, the doctors there were able to determine Olsson understands the charges against him and is capable of assisting in his own defense.

That is the legal standard for finding someone competent for trial, Fisz said.

While Olsson may be capable of assisting in his defense, his court-appointed attorney said Tuesday he remains unwilling.

Assistant Public Defender Keith Grant told Circuit Judge Fred Foreman he attempted to meet with his client in the Lake County jail over the weekend.

"Mr. Olsson responded by handing me a letter informing me he intends to file a federal lawsuit against myself and my office," Grant said. "In my view, he remains unfit for trial."

Olsson fired his first attorney a year ago, and told Foreman he has tried to hire numerous attorneys to represent him against the sex charges, but none will take his case.

Foreman said repeatedly he believes private attorneys will not take the case because Olsson is insisting any lawyer who represents him must also file lawsuits against judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys who have been connected to his case.

Grant is the third attorney to be appointed to represent Olsson. In spite of Olsson's refusal to cooperate, Grant remains assigned to the case.

Foreman said if the parties could not agree on the status of Olsson's fitness, a hearing would be scheduled on the matter before the case can go to trial.

He set the hearing for Feb. 11. Psychologists from Elgin and Lake County who have had contact with Olsson are expected to testify.

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