A young man deemed not competent to stand trial is at the center of a turf war between the criminal justice and mental health systems.

Nineteen-year-old Ray Gilpin has a history of assaults and threats but after a recent evaluation it was determined his mental health issues would prevent him from being charged.

Sarpy County Judge Robert Wester ordered Gilpin taken to the Lincoln Regional Center for an examination but when Sarpy County Deputies tried to admit Gilpin, they were told there was no room at the center and they were turned away.

After several hours of negotiations Judge Wester told the Sarpy County officials to follow his order.

Deputies left Gilpin, in his travel restraints, sitting in a chair in the Lincoln Regional Center's waiting room.

A statement was issued Friday afternoon quoting Scot Adams, director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, as saying, "We were shocked at the unfortunate behavior where a Sarpy County deputy left a man handcuffed in a lobby of the Regional Center, knowing there was not an available bed.

"Most of the time, people involved in all aspects of the behavioral health system do their best to work together. This action ignored the process honored by other courts and law enforcement and bypassed the agreed-upon protocol.

"Typically, up to four people are on the waiting list to receive care at the Lincoln Regional Center. They may be on the list for about four to six weeks. Many of these individuals have been in jail six to eight months before they’re ordered to the Regional Center."