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.

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

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

Merle Wakefield was cleared for release four years ago. But the state has struggled to place him in the community as residents protested his release.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A 67-year-old sex offender was released Tuesday from Coalinga State Hospital under conditional terms, requiring a lifetime registration as a sexual predator.