Mental exam ordered for man convicted in threats

PROVO — A judge said he has serious concerns about allowing probation for a man who vowed that "blood would run in the streets" if he was not vindicated by the government.

Bradley Roberts Taylor, 43, was sent to the diagnostic unit of the Utah State Prison on Wednesday, rather than sentenced to 300 plus days in the Utah County Jail for the felony of threat against life or property.

Fourth District Judge Lynn Davis ordered a 60-day in-depth review at the prison to determine what emotional or mental issues Taylor faces.

Taylor was convicted in November after jurors heard evidence that he had repeatedly e-mailed state representatives and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert demanding justice and the restoring of his legal rights, threatening bloodshed and lethal force if they weren't provided.

Taylor has also said he wants a DUI expunged from his record, though court searches show no such charge or conviction.

Davis said he is especially concerned by Taylor's written statement after the jury conviction and during his presentence review with Adult Probation and Parole.

"I ask a state representative to represent me in guaranteeing my rights as a crime victim of the government's system of abuse," Davis read, quoting from Taylor's statement. "They deny me of my legal rights, cover up, then lock me up instead. I have done nothing wrong."

Davis said Taylor's attitude could be harmful to the public.

"Frankly, if he were simply released from the Utah County Jail, this is not over," Davis said. "This is just starting. I have some real concerns about the health, safety and welfare of the innocent public out there."

Defense attorney Tom Means said he had several answers to the judge's concerns, but after learning the judge was set on sending Taylor to the diagnostic unit, he reserved them.

Prosecutor Dave Sturgill also agreed with Davis that a diagnostic review is necessary.

"My hope is that ... it will dawn on Mr. Taylor that this is not a correct way to address his problems with the government, or the police, or with his representatives," Sturgill said. "I don't know how we're going to get there — treatment, medication? I think the underlying problem is an obvious mental health issue. Perhaps the diagnostic could shed further light on how to address this problem."

Taylor will be sentenced March 18 at 9 a.m.

---

E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com