Man accused of attacking pregnant woman was deemed mentally ill months ago

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CINCINNATI — The case of a man deemed mentally ill in April after a series of violent crimes was back in court Monday charged with attacking a woman who is nine months pregnant.

Anthony Smith in accused of attacking the woman near the LeBlond pool on Riverside Drive.

“Some doctor at Summit made a decision that he was suitable to be released,” said Probate Judge Ralph Winkler.

Winker said the court has little power over what happens after a person is considered to be mentally ill.

“Once he’s mentally ill, it becomes a medical decision, not a court decision. The doctors treating him decide when or if he should be released,” Winkler said.

The victim who is nine-months pregnant said she was walking her dog when Smith attacked her. The victim said Smith attempted to rape her and when she fought back, Smith hit her over and over in the face.

The victim was beaten so severely she had to be hospitalized.

Smith was released from Summit Behavioral Center despite a series of violent attacks beginning in May of 2017.

“They do take history into account. At the end of the day with competency they look at the person’s current state of mind,” said Smith’s probate attorney, James Bogan.

Summit Behavioral Center is part of the Ohio Department of Mental Health. They did not return phone calls about the case.

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Man accused of attacking pregnant woman was deemed mentally ill months ago