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| California Finds Home for Sex Predator |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 08/18/2003 |
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A sexual predator who was the first graduate of a post-prison treatment program will live in a trailer near a prison after his release, the state said recently after trying for months to find a suitable home. The site is temporary while the state continues to look for more permanent lodging, said Nora Romero, spokeswoman for the Department of Mental Health. The inmate, Brian DeVries, could be released as early as August 10. Romero ruled out the possibility that DeVries would move to Washington state to live with his father - an earlier option both states found objectionable. 'He will live in a trailer in Monterey County, on land that is under the operation and control of the Department of Corrections,' Romero said. The trailer is at the edge of the Correctional Training Facility, a medium-security prison near Soledad and about 20 miles from downtown Salinas. A 44-year-old child molester who had himself surgically castrated and has promised to live a 'kid-free' life, DeVries said in a telephone call from prison that he was satisfied with the site. DeVries has been held since 1997 at the Atascadero State Hospital with about 400 sex offenders. He is the first sexual predator to complete the state's treatment program, which tries to rehabilitate the most dangerous offenders. Most are refusing treatment and have little chance of being released. The release process was shrouded in secrecy as officials try to avoid the community outrage that often arises when sex offenders move into a neighborhood. An earlier effort to house DeVries in Santa Clara County fell apart after neighbors mobilized against the plan. A judge ordered the department to find suitable housing in California or release DeVries by Aug. 10 to his father in Washington state. Both governors publicly objected, and state officials said the restrictions California planned to impose would not apply in Washington. Those rules include requiring DeVries to stay in state-funded housing and submit to an outpatient treatment regime that includes monitoring by global positioning satellite, extensive therapy and random searches of his home and vehicle. DeVries must register as a sex offender with the Monterey County sheriff's office within five days of the move and must obtain a driver's license and transportation to continue his outpatient treatment. The cost of treating and monitoring DeVries will be about $180,000 a year, Romero said. |
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