'A lesson for America:' Man who threatened Boehner to be released

A federal judge on Tuesday called the case of Michael Hoyt “a lesson for America” about mental illness.

“If and when we see someone struggling,” Judge Timothy Black said at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, “we need to act.”

Hoyt, 45, was having a psychotic episode last year when he told police he was going to kill John Boehner, who was then speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The threats led to federal charges, and Hoyt faced 10 years in prison until Black in July found him not guilty by reason of insanity. Since that ruling, Hoyt has been held in federal custody, most recently at a secure medical facility in North Carolina.

On Tuesday, Black ordered Hoyt to be immediately released from the facility.

A forensic psychologist and another medical official testified by video that Hoyt, who is bipolar, presented a low risk of harm to others. Since being medicated in late 2014, he has shown no symptoms of psychosis, they said. He has no history of violence.

In an interview after the hearing, one of Hoyt’s attorneys, Martin Pinales, said the family will be part of Hoyt’s treatment and will know how to recognize any symptoms. The court no longer has authority over him.

“The community has the assurances of a loving family that will be looking after Michael – that will be taking care of him,” Pinales said. “The community also has the assurances that Michael realizes his mental illness and will be taking care of himself.”

Hoyt’s mother was at the North Carolina facility Tuesday. She along with his father and stepmother, who were at Tuesday’s hearing, have agreed to be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychiatric care, a case management team and regular contact with a case worker. It will also include bipolar support groups for Hoyt as well as his family.

For the near future, he will live with his father and stepmother at their West Chester Township home. The forensic psychologist, Kristina Lloyd, testified that Hoyt’s family is “very invested,” something she doesn’t often see.

Hoyt, who also appeared by video, assured Black that he will continue taking medication. He said he understood that he can’t drink alcohol, which could interfere with the medication.

Black, in his written order for Hoyt’s release, said everyone who will be involved in Hoyt’s care had taken on a large responsibility.

“And yet,” he wrote, “it is far preferable that a person suffering from mental illness, in remission and under proper medication, be cared for by his family and community medical professionals, rather than be warehoused in prison.”

The case dates back to October 2014, around the time Hoyt was fired from his job as a bartender at Wetherington Golf and Country Club in West Chester Township, where Boehner is a member.

During a psychotic episode, Hoyt made a 911 call that led police to his Deer Park home. He proceeded to tell police that he intended to kill Boehner.

After charges were filed, people who knew Hoyt said they didn't believe he was a threat.

Pinales on Tuesday described him as a "very sweet, very caring young man."