Sexually Violent Predator Proposed for Release in Poway

Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio is spearheading a new campaign of concerned citizens in Poway to oppose the placement of a Sexually Violent Predator in their community.

The Sexually Violent Predator in question is Merle Wakefield, and California state officials propose his placement be in the family-community of Poway. 51% of Poway's residents are vulnerable seniors or children under age 18.

“It's reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable to place this Sexually Violent Predator in a community filled with vulnerable seniors and children under age 18,” said DeMaio.

DeMaio points out that Wakefield is not just any sex offender — he is classified as a “Sexually Violent Predator,” which is the worst classification in the criminal justice system. To be classified as an SVP, a person has to have been convicted of a violent sex crime, be diagnosed with a mental disorder, and be likely to reoffend. Wakefield has been convicted of rape and multiple sexual assaults in the 1980s and 1990s.

DeMaio says state politicians are increasingly siding with sex offenders and passing laws to make it easier for them to not only escape listing on Sex Offender Registries, but live in residential communities and near schools and playgrounds. Wakefield's proposed placement would be near two horseback riding facilities frequented by women of all ages — and one facility is frequented by those with disabilities.

After several Sexually Violent Predators have been released by government bureaucrats into San Diego county residential neighborhoods in recent years, DeMaio decided to organize concerned citizens and use the courts to try to block the releases.

And the effort is paying off. In October 2021, DeMaio successfully blocked the placement of another SVP, Douglas Badger, in the San Diego community of Rancho Bernardo. DeMaio organized thousands of angry voters to contact the judge overseeing Badger's case to demand the court block placement.

DeMaio says he is committed to once again lead the opposition to block Wakefield's placement in Poway — but needs immediate help from members of the public.

DeMaio is calling for concerned residents to make their voices heard before it’s too late.

“We can still stop the placement of this horrible sex offender in Poway — file today to give a public comment and let the court know where you stand,” said DeMaio.

A hearing on this placement has been scheduled for August 9th at 9:00am in San Diego Superior Court with Judge Yvonne Campos presiding. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office and SAFE Task Force will submit your comments, due by July 22nd, to the court for the court’s consideration.

The exact address proposed for placement is 15720 Sycamore Canyon Road in Poway.

Email and Call the Judge to Oppose Release of Merle Wakefield (Deadline: July 22nd!)

Email comments: sdsafe@sdsheriff.org.  

Call and leave voicemail: (858) 583-7238.  

Mail letters: SVP Release/SAFE Task Force 9425 Chesapeake Drive San Diego, CA 92123