Politics & Government

Dianne Jacob Seeks to Nix Release of Sex Predator to Campo

"At least four sexually violent predators have been recommitted after the state saw fit to foist them on communities in San Diego County," Jacob writes.

"This particular class of predator does not belong in any community," Jacob stated in a news release.

Johnson, 53, is currently living at Coalinga State Hospital in Fresno county. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his offenses.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A sexually violent predator is one who has been identified in prison as  someone who could pose an extreme risk to the public if released to the community. If a mental disorder is identified, the person might be committed to a mental health facility, which means possible lifelong  hospitalization, but all patients have the right to be released to the community, according to a Web page on the subject hosted by the San Diego County District Attorney.  A predator could be released under supervision or increased registration requirements.

"The notion that sexually violent predators can be rehabilitated is flawed," Jacob stated in her release. "Once a person earns the depraved title of SVP, that person belongs in an institution permanently."

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It has been reported that Johnson has brain cancer and that this would lessen his chances of being a problem in the community.

"Even with monitoring, the risk of a sexually violent predator taking another victim remains," Jacob wrote. "East County witnessed this firsthand in 2009 when 81-year-old John David Norman, an SVP, was released into Boulevard and had to be recommitted after making inappropriate contact with a 19-year-old bag boy at a supermarket.

"At least four SVPs have been recommitted after the state saw fit to foist them on communities in San Diego County."

This 2010 USA Today article provides an overview on the issue in California.

The public can provide comments on the possible Campo placement by contacting the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force by Oct. 3:

Email: sdsafe@doj.ca.gov
Phone: (858) 268-5300
Or mail: SVP Release/SAFE Task Force, 9425 Chesapeake Dr., San Diego, CA 92123

A hearing on the subject will be held before Judge Kerry Wells on Oct. 14 at the downtown courthouse.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here