The San Diego Superior Court has greenlit the conditional release of convicted sexual predator Merle Wakefield, potentially placing him in the city of Poway. In a controversial move, the California Department of State Hospitals has proposed the address 15720 Sycamore Canyon Road, Poway, CA 92064 as Wakefield's new residence. Wakefield's convictions for a series of sexual assaults date back to the 1980s and 1990s, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
It is important to note that the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, San Diego County District Attorney's Office, and the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force have declared that they are not responsible for directly influencing the placement decision. However, the SAFE Task Force is currently gathering public opinion to present before the court and the Department of State Hospitals. According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, this is a community's chance to voice their support or objection to Wakefield's proposed placement before it becomes final.
Public comments regarding this issue are accepted between July 8 and July 22. Concerned residents can email their views to [email protected], call (858) 583-7238, or mail to SVP Release/SAFE Task Force at 9425 Chesapeake Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. The hearing on Wakefield's placement is scheduled for August 9, where oral comments may also be accepted, subject to the court’s ruling.
For those looking for more detailed information about the legal processes concerning sexually violent predators—including their treatment and eventual release—the San Diego County District Attorney's website and the Department of State Hospital's website serve as valuable resources. The hearing will be presided over by the Honorable Yvonne E. Campos at the San Diego Superior Court, Department 1704, located at 1100 Union Street in San Diego, starting at 9:00 a.m. on August 9.
