Judge: Ex-Springfield Local teacher must follow treatment

8/13/2008

A former Springfield Local Schools teacher who was declared insane at the time he led police on a chase and veered his vehicle toward a state trooper will continue with psychiatric treatment and medications, a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge ordered yesterday.

Louis Kovin, 41, of 862 Cherry Lane, Waterville, was found not guilty by reason of insanity May 13 after a bench trial before Judge Frederick McDonald. Because he is under the court's jurisdiction for as long as he could have been sentenced if found guilty, Mr. Kovin must continue to undergo treatment and will have periodic court appearances.

Mr. Kovin, a district technology teacher, was arrested Nov. 12 in Wood County after leading officers on a chase that ended when a tire on his van was punctured and the vehicle crashed into a pond off I-75 near State Rt. 582.

Judge McDonald said Mr. Kovin must continue to keep regular appointments with therapists, follow their courses of treatment, and maintain part-time employment. Failure to do so will lead to his receiving treatment in confinement, the judge said.

Attorney Jerry Phillips said after the hearing yesterday that Mr. Kovin has been doing well since his medication had been regulated shortly after his arrest.