Dianne Jacob Seeks to Nix Release of Sex Predator to Campo

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob has lashed out at the state's proposed release of sexually violent predator Frank Johnson, a convicted rapist, into Campo, an East County community. 

"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.

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."

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."

In February 2009, Ramona residents successfully fought a state proposal to place a sexually violent predator, Matthew Hedge, in a Ramona neighborhood. The Department of Mental Health proposed to house him at a single family residence on Highway 67 but, in the end, the owner of the home refused to allow it to happen after a public outcry. Hedge now lives in Otay Mesa, according to this article in The San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 31. Another such predator, David Chambless, 51, is reported to live in Jacumba.

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.