Gregory S. Pound, a write-in candidate for Pinellas County Sheriff, went to a convention party Thursday night sponsored by Congressman Bill Young.

He got to talking with Young's wife, Beverly, and one thing led to another.

According to Pinellas sheriff's spokeswoman Marianne Pasha, Beverly Young found Pound's comments offensive. She and others complained about him to the hotel staff, who asked Pound to leave.

When he wouldn't leave, he was taken into custody on a trespassing charge by the very office he is seeking to head in November.

Pound was booked into the Pinellas County Jail Thursday night.

But his difficulties didn't end there.

He refused to go to his court appearance. After an evaluation by a court-appointed psychologist, Judge Patrick Caddell ordered Pound sent to PEMHS under the Baker Act.

Friday afternoon, Pound called the St. Petersburg Times.

He said he didn't realize he was talking to Beverly Young and that she was the one who started in one him asking questions about his run for sheriff.

"I'm a political prisoner," Pound said. "I believe what is happening is a political move."

--Jonathan Abel, Times staff writer