Suspect in bomb scare committed to mental hospital

Friday, July 3, 2009

A psychological examination determined that David Howard Mattingly of Leonardtown could not be held criminally responsible for his alleged misconduct, including the March 10 incident at the Dash In store in Leonardtown, where authorities alleged that Mattingly left suspicious packages with notes demanding money.

The packages were destroyed the next morning after business owner Mubashar Ahmad called police. They contained no explosive material.

Mattingly was arrested in town, and court papers state he told St. Mary's detectives that he had been spying on business owners of Middle Eastern dissent. St. Mary's District Judge John F. Slade III noted Wednesday in court that the report from the Spring Grove Hospital Center included findings that Mattingly was competent to take part in court proceedings.

"You do understand what you're doing this afternoon?" the judge asked.

"Yes, your honor, 100 percent," Mattingly replied.

Mattingly pleaded guilty to damaging a surveillance camera at the sheriff's office after his arrest. Charges from the incident at the store were dismissed.

The judge ordered that Mattingly be recommitted to the hospital until further administrative proceedings lead to a report submitted to the court.

"We believe they have found the right medication," Public Defender John Getz told the judge.

jwharton@somdnews.com