Sexually violent predator Merle Wade Wakefield released under transient status
- Merle Wade Wakefield, a 67-year-old sexually violent predator, was conditionally released from a state mental hospital after years of incarceration.
- Judge Yvonne Campos struggled to find suitable housing for Wakefield, with nearly 7,000 properties evaluated and many proposals rejected.
- Wakefield's release highlights systemic issues in California regarding the housing and monitoring of sexually violent predators.
In Jacumba Hot Springs, California, Merle Wade Wakefield, a sexually violent predator, was released from Coalinga State Hospital, where he had been hospitalized after serving prison time for sexual offenses. Wakefield, aged 67, was convicted of lewd acts on a child in 1981 and rape by means of force, violence, or fear in 1990, leading to prison sentences each time. His conditional release was ordered by a judge in 2020, but finding suitable housing for Wakefield proved challenging due to stringent regulations and public backlash against housing SVPs in residential areas. A state audit highlighted the lengthy average search time of 19 months for finding housing for sexually violent predators in San Diego County. In Wakefield's case, numerous housing proposals were rejected, with nearly 7,000 properties assessed without success. As a result, Judge Yvonne Campos made the decision for Wakefield’s release on transient status, temporarily housing him on Desert Rose Ranch Road while monitoring him with GPS and security. This release comes amidst broader issues regarding the management and housing of sexually violent predators as noted by the San Diego County District Attorney, Summer Stephan. Stephan criticized state officials for their failure to secure adequate housing locations for SVPs despite repeated opportunities. Such challenges highlight the ongoing tensions between community safety, legal obligations, and mental health treatment frameworks for sexually violent offenders. In addition, another sexually violent predator, Alvin Ray Quarles, was also ordered to be released on the same day but is pending a court hearing. This situation raises significant concerns about public safety and the adequacy of the current system designed to rehabilitate and supervise individuals deemed likely to re-offend. The case of Wakefield exemplifies the complexities faced by the judicial system and mental health agencies when dealing with individuals convicted of serious sexual offenses.