REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
July 27, 2021
FROM
COL. PAUL COOK (RET.), First 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 of Supervisors’ position to the appropriate State agencies and officials.
(Presenter: Col. Paul Cook (Ret.), First District Supervisor, 387-4830)
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
On July 19, 2021, the San Bernardino County District Attorney and the San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator received notification from the State of California-Department of State Hospitals informing them that the Orange County Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of one Lawtis Donald Rhoden and that the State has proposed a community within San Bernardino County, Newberry Springs Community Services District as the location for this release.
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”. Mr. Rhoden has been confined for many years as a result of convictions for sex offenses committed in Los Angeles and Orange counties as well as Tennessee and Florida, including rape by force, forceful sexual penetration, and sexual battery which were committed against female children between the ages of 13-18.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has reported Mr. Rhoden has no known family, history of residency, employment, treatment in or any other ties to San Bernardino County.
On April 6, 2021 (Item No. 4), the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2021-38 opposing the State of California’s plan to release Lawtis Donald Rhoden into San Bernardino County. At that time, the Orange County Superior Court withdrew its consideration to place Mr. Rhoden in San Bernardino County.
The proposed Resolution would again 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, County Counsel, 387-4270) on July 20, 2021; Finance (Stephenie Shea, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on July 20, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on July 20, 2021.