Accused arsonist to undergo psych exam

Matthew Krueger appears in 78th District Court with his court-appointed attorney Timothy Hayes Tuesday afternoon.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — The Illinois man accused of burning down a building owned by his parents near Mears, Feb. 8, prior to his alleged attack on the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Grand Haven will undergo a psychological exam.

Matthew Lawrence Krueger, 33, of 3823 N. Park, Westmont, appeared in 78th District Court with his court-appointed attorney Timothy Hayes  for a preliminary conference Tuesday, Feb. 17, shortly before 5 p.m.

Judge H. Kevin Drake told Krueger that his “case is put on hold” until the exam is performed at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti. The exam will be submitted to the court to determine if Krueger is “competent to stand trial and understand criminal responsibility,” Drake said.

Drake continued Krueger’s bond, which was set at $100,000 cash/surety.

Krueger was transported from the Ottawa County Jail  to the hearing by an Oceana County Sheriff’s deputy. In Oceana County, he faces four felony counts of arson, including first-degree arson which is punishable by up to life in prison. He also faces one count of second-degree arson, which carries a 20-year sentence and/or a $20,000 fine; one count of arson – preparation to burn property of value of $20,000 or more, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine; and one count of arson – preparation to burn real insured property, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.

In Ottawa County, he faces charges of making a false report or threat of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and malicious destruction of personal  property $1,000-$20,000, which carries a maximum five-year sentence.

Hayes had no comment after the hearing regarding his client’s mental condition.