POWAY, Calif.—The California Department of State Hospitals has rescinded the proposed conditional release of Merle Wade Wakefield, a sexually violent predator (SVP), into a home in Poway. This decision was announced on July 12.
Mr. Wakefield, 67, was recommended for placement in a Sycamore Canyon Road home, which would have been the third attempt by state officials to place him in a residence within the community.
A court hearing scheduled for next month to determine Mr. Wakefield’s release to that home has now been canceled.
Details on the reasons for withdrawing Mr. Wakefield’s placement have not been provided by the California Department of State Hospitals.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus expressed relief in a statement, stating, “Victory! The proposed placement of Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield on Sycamore Canyon Road is off the table. POWAY’s voice was heard—not here, not now, not ever!”
Mr. Wakefield is classified as a sexually violent predator due to his history of sexually violent offenses and diagnosed mental disorder that increases the likelihood of re-offending.
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Sexually violent predators (SVPs) like Mr. Wakefield undergo treatment at state hospitals following their prison sentences. They may seek court approval to continue treatment in outpatient settings, where they are closely monitored, including through GPS tracking.
In 1981, Mr. Wakefield was convicted of lewd acts on a child and in 1990, he was convicted of rape through force, violence, or fear. He served state prison sentences for both offenses, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Previously, a judge rejected a recommendation to place Mr. Wakefield in a Mount Helix community home. He was also considered for release to a Borrego Springs residence, but Liberty Healthcare, the operator of the state’s conditional release program for sexually violent predators, requested additional treatment for Mr. Wakefield, resulting in the release not moving forward.
Liberty Healthcare has reported no instances of SVPs re-offending under the program. While some SVPs have had their conditional releases terminated for violating terms of their release, Liberty officials have confirmed that none of these violations were related to new sexual offenses.
