Court proceedings against the man accused of vandalizing Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church were discontinued last week until it is determined if he is mentally competent to stand trial.
Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson ordered James Stoltenberg, 67, to undergo a mental health evaluation by two psychiatrists to determine if the man is competent to stand trial and aid in his own defense, at the request of Public Defender Albert Smith.
Stoltenberg, who moved to Colusa from Oroville about eight months ago, is accused of breaking into the 142-year-old church on Oct. 25 and damaging the altar, statues, and other historic artifacts.
A parishioner discovered the damages immediately upon entering the church around 4 PM the same day the vandalism occurred.
Stoltenberg was reportedly identified from surveillance footage and arrested Oct. 27.
He is charged with felony burglary, vandalism, and a hate crime.
Stoltenberg is being held in the Colusa County Jail without bail. â–