A sex offender has been released from a state hospital to a rural area in East County, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Merle Wade Wakefield, 67, registered as a “sexually violent predator” with the California Department of Justice and the county, received his conditional release from Coalinga State Hospital following a judge’s order.
He served several years in state prison for crimes including lewd acts on a child and rape by means of force, violence or fear before his civil commitment to a state mental hospital for sex offenders. Wakefield has a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.
He is currently a transient, sheriff’s officials said in a news release, but has constant supervision provided by Liberty Healthcare, a private company contracted by the state. The conditions upon his release, they added, are enforceable by Liberty personnel. A security employee is required to accompany him on a 24/7 basis.
Authorities sought placements in the community for Wakefield, but three proposed housing recommendations were either rejected by a judge or rescinded by state hospital officials. The sheriff’s office did not specify the community where he will settle.
Sexually violent predators are those convicted of sexual offenses who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder that makes them highly likely to become repeat offenders.
The sheriff’s office announced Wakefield’s release due to California Penal Code Section 290, known as “Megan’s Law,” which permits law enforcement agencies to inform the community about sex offenders who frequent an area.
Officials also warned residents that “use of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass the subject or any other person will not be tolerated and may result in prosecution.”
