A sexually violent predator is now living in Jacumba Hot Springs after his release from a state mental hospital, which followed several years in prison, authorities said Wednesday.

Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield is Now Living in Jacumba Hot Springs, San Diego County Sheriff Reports

Authorities have been unable to find long-term suitable housing for Merle Wakefield, 67, who was released Tuesday

Sheriff's officials said Tuesday that "neither the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, or the Sexual Assault Enforcement Task Force is responsible for the selection of the site.

NEITHER THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR THE SEXUAL ASSAULT FELONY ENFORCEMENT (SAFE) TASK FORCE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SITE. THAT SELECTION PROCESS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOSPITALS AND THE SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR COURT.

Two men designated as sexually violent predators — including one notoriously dubbed the “bolder-than-most rapist” — were ordered by judges to be released to temporary housing locations, on what’s known as “transient release.

November 27, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Yesterday, sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield was conditionally released from Coalinga State Hospital as a transient. He has been temporarily placed at a home at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch in Jacumba Hot Springs.

Alvin Ray Quarles — dubbed the “bolder-than-most” rapist — and Merle Wakefield were ordered released to temporary residences.

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.

A sexually violent predator is now living in Jacumba Hot Springs after his release from a state mental hospital, which followed several years in prison.