The debate over the possible release of convicted rapist Alvin Quarles, nicknamed the “Bolder-Than-Most” rapist, has reached a critical juncture in San Diego. A judge is scheduled to determine on Thursday whether Quarles will be released to a state treatment program in the community, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. Quarles, guilty of a slew of horrific sexual assaults in the 1980s, could be moved from the Department of State Hospitals Coalinga into Liberty Healthcare's conditional release program (CONREP), sending shockwaves through a community still haunted by his crimes.
Cynthia Medina, one of Quarles' victims, has voiced her trepidation about his potential release. "As his survivor, it doesn’t make me feel very good at all but I kind of have to accept it because of the way the laws are," Medina said to FOX 5. Quarles, who was sentenced to 50 years in prison, had completed Module III of the Sex Offender Treatment Program, a key consideration in the assessment of his release. However, despite the psychological evaluations supporting his release, personalities within the community, including Medina, are filled with an uneasy mixture of anger and fear.
Adding to the controversy, Jim Desmond, a San Diego County Supervisor, strongly opposed the prospect of Quarles' reintegration. "It is with profound disappointment and deep concern that I express my opposition to the decision allowing the placement of Sexually Violent Predator Alvin Quarles, also known as the 'Bolder than Most' rapist, back into San Diego County," Desmond posted on X. Desmond underscores the community's worries, highlighting the deep-seated fear and lack of reassurance felt by many, given Quarles' heinous past offenses.
It is with profound disappointment and deep concern that I express my opposition to the decision allowing the placement of Sexually Violent Predator Alvin Quarles, also known as the "Bolder than Most" rapist, back into San Diego County. The judge's decision is devastating for our…
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) January 12, 2024
Previously, in 2020, Judge David M. Gill had ruled for Quarles' release into conditional treatment; however, this decision faced reversal, prolonging Quarles' confinement. Now, the DA's office has disclosed that a recent review by a psychologist at the Department of State Hospitals and the Medical Director's approval recommends Quarles' release to CONREP's supervision, with an additional evaluator concurring. "The District Attorney’s Office is acting consistent with the law that relates to Sexually Violent Predators and, is keeping the victims apprised of developments in the case," the DA's office stated, ensuring compliance while navigating a complex and emotionally charged issue.
Medina's words reflect a sentiment shared by many awaiting the judge's decision: “They told me I wouldn’t have to worry about him in my lifetime, and you put your faith in that, and for the last 10 years I’ve been trying to keep him from getting out,” she told FOX 5. “It’s inevitable, but he got an extra 10 years because of us, so do I feel safe? No.”
