The man accused of partially cutting utility poles in the Southtowns was back in court Thursday. The suspect’s family tells YNN he's mentally ill and they're hoping now he finally gets the help he needs.

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Police say Seifert used a chainsaw to partially cut through utility poles, eventually leading to widespread power outages in the Southtowns.

Seifert’s brother and father were in court Thursday to show their support.

"He's not a criminal and hopefully we can get him some help,” said Steven Seifert, brother.

The judge adjourned Seifert's felony hearing till the end of February and ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Steven Seifert says his family has been trying to get Gregory help for the past five years.

"We did have him in a hospital, getting him some help, and because he's 43-years old and passes a test, and he may pass this next one, he's released and this is what happens,” said Steven.

Steven says his brother was released from that mental health facility just five days before allegedly taking a chainsaw to those utility poles, and admits this isn't the first run-in with law his brother has had. Neighbors tell YNN that Gregory was arrested in early December for allegedly setting his house on fire.

Steven is now hoping this latest arrest will finally get his brother the help he desperately needs.

"His psychiatrist had contacted the hospital and said this was not a good idea, and they did it anyway. It's a revolving door that a lot of people are going through and it's unfortunate that it affected our family and it's a sickness. It is what it is,” said Steven.