Nov. 7--A Rochester man facing multiple counts of exposing himself has been found not guilty by reason of mental illness.

Olmsted District Judge Robert Birnbaum made that finding following a court hearing for Taylor Robert Gehrking, 26, on Tuesday. Birnbaum ruled that prosecutors had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt and found that Gehrking was not guilty of the charges by reason of mental illness. Civil commitment proceedings now will be initiated, according to court documents.

Birnbaum ordered that Gehrking remain at his current residence, take all medications and comply with the screening process for the civil mental illness commitment proceedings.

Birnbaum's ruling covered 10 files in which Gehrking was charged with misde-meanors. Two charges were for misdemeanor theft; the others were for indecent exposure.

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