JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS, Calif.—A sexually violent predator is now living in southeastern San Diego County after his release from a state mental hospital, which followed several years in prison, authorities said Wednesday.
Merle Wade Wakefield was released from Coalinga State Hospital Tuesday and temporarily lives at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch Road under the Conditional Release Program, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Sexually violent predators (SVPs) are people convicted of sexually violent offenses and diagnosed with a mental disorder that makes a person likely to re-offend.
After serving their prison sentences, SVPs can undergo treatment at state hospitals, but may also petition courts to continue treatment in outpatient locations, where they are monitored and must abide by stringent conditions….