REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
April 6, 2021
FROM
DAWN ROWE, Third District Supervisor, Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
Opposition to the Planned Release of a Sexually Violent Predator Into San Bernardino County
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Adopt Resolution opposing the State of California’s plans to release sexually violent predator and Coalinga State Hospital patient Lawtis Donald Rhoden into San Bernardino County.
2. Direct County Counsel to consult with the District Attorney to share the Resolution and communicate the Board’s position to the appropriate State agencies and officials.
(Presenter: Dawn Rowe, Third District Supervisor, 387-4855)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In February 2021, the State of California - Department of State Hospitals notified the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner that the Orange County Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of one Lawtis Donald Rhoden and that the State has proposed the City of Twentynine Palms within San Bernardino County as a location for this release.
According to notification from the Department of State Hospitals, Mr. Rhoden is serving an indeterminate commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator Act, Welfare & Institutions Code sections 6600 et. Seq, and is defined by the State under State Law as a “Sexually Violent Predator”. Rhoden has been confined for many years as a result of convictions for heinous offenses committed in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including rape by force, forceful sexual penetration, and sexual battery, which were committed against children.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has reported Rhoden has no known family, history of residency, employment, treatment in or any other ties to San Bernardino County.
The proposed Resolution would oppose the State’s plan to release Mr. Rhoden into San Bernardino County.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Michelle Blakemore, Chief County Counsel, 387-4270) on March 31, 2021; Finance (Stephenie Shea, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on March 31, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on March 31, 2021.