AI Image
Sexually violent predator vanishes after cutting off GPS monitor
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- Merle Wakefield, a 69-year-old convicted child sex offender, has been missing for over 48 hours after his GPS monitor tamper alert sounded at a San Diego worksite on Friday morning.
- Wakefield was on conditional release since November 2024 but removed his GPS device and disappeared; authorities and supervisors found his monitor removed and reported him missing.
- Local officials, including San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, criticized the state for releasing Wakefield without adequate supervision or a fixed residence, despite his violent criminal history.
- Previous attempts to place Wakefield in designated housing were met with community opposition, and concerns were raised about the effectiveness of monitoring programs for sexually violent predators.
- Authorities urge the public not to approach Wakefield and to report any sightings immediately, emphasizing the risk he poses to the community.
