A sexually violent predator has been released from a state mental hospital and is now residing in southeastern San Diego County, following several years in prison, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Merle Wade Wakefield, 67, was discharged from Coalinga State Hospital and is currently residing at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch Road under the Conditional Release Program, managed by the San Diego County Sheriffâs Office.
Sexually violent predators (SVPs) are individuals who have been convicted of sexually violent crimes and diagnosed with a mental disorder that increases the likelihood of re-offending.
Upon completing their prison sentences, SVPs have the option to undergo treatment at state hospitals. They may also petition the courts to continue their treatment in outpatient facilities, where they are closely monitored and required to adhere to strict conditions.
Wakefield’s criminal history includes convictions for lewd acts on a child in 1981 and rape by force, violence, or fear in 1990, resulting in separate prison sentences on each occasion, as reported by the San Diego County District Attorneyâs Office.
Approved for conditional release by a judge in 2020, finding suitable housing for Wakefield proved challenging. This difficulty is common among SVPs due to the strict regulations governing their residency and the public opposition to their releases. A recent state audit revealed that it takes an average of 19 months to secure appropriate housing for SVPs in San Diego County.
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Prior to his current residence, three proposed housing options for Wakefield were either rejected by a judge or rescinded by state hospital officials since 2020.
In a recent court order, San Diego Superior Court Judge Yvonne Campos disclosed that nearly 7,000 properties were considered for Wakefield’s housing, but due to unsuccessful attempts, he was released on transient status.
Campos mandated that Wakefield be placed in one of two available homes previously occupied by other sexually violent predators. In the event that these homes are no longer viable, Wakefield will be relocated to a recreational vehicle provided by Liberty Healthcare, the organization contracted by the state to oversee the conditional release program for SVPs.
Additionally, the judge ordered continuous monitoring of Wakefield through GPS tracking, as well as round-the-clock supervision by security guards or law enforcement.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan criticized state hospital officials for their failure to secure permanent housing for SVPs in a statement issued last week.
âIt is the responsibility of the Department of State Hospitals and Liberty Healthcare to identify suitable housing for all conditionally released sexually violent predators, ensuring close monitoring and supervision,â Stephan stated. âDespite multiple opportunities provided by the court, they have not fulfilled this obligation. We will oppose transient releases and demand that the Department of State Hospitals fulfill their duty to find appropriate permanent placements.â
Wakefield’s release order coincided with the release order of another sexually violent predator, Alvin Ray Quarles, also set to be released on transient status.
Quarles, known as the âbolder-than-most rapist,â is expected to remain in custody until a court hearing scheduled for Dec. 19, during which Liberty Healthcare officials will explore placement options for him.
