Placer DA opposes release of 'Sexually Violent Predator' in county

A Placer County Superior Court judge granted a Sexually Violent Predator, William Stephenson, conditional transient release into Placer County on Monday. Stephenson is classified by the State of California as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) and is currently enrolled in the state's Sexually Violent Predator program under state law. Sexually Violent Predators are individuals who have been convicted of specified sexual offenses and served their entire original sentence but remained committed to a state hospital due to their risk of dangerousness. The Placer County District Attorney's Office has vehemently opposed Stephenson's release throughout all court proceedings. Beginning in January 2022, over the objection of the Placer County District Attorney's Office, a Placer County Superior Court Judge made a ruling approving the conditional release of Stephenson. The court tasked the Department of State Hospitals with finding housing for Stephenson. The Department of State Hospitals subcontracted with Liberty Healthcare, a private company, to conduct the housing search. In December 2022, Stephenson's defense attorney filed a motion with the court citing due process concerns requesting the court to consider releasing Stephenson on transient status if Liberty Healthcare could not find stable housing for Stephenson. The Placer County District Attorney's Office again opposed Stephenson's transient release. The judge at the time expressed concerns about transient release. On Monday, after a three-hour hearing and argument from the District Attorney's Office in opposition, the judge decided to grant Stephenson transient release in Placer County. Liberty Healthcare stated "money is no object" and would purchase an RV to place Stephenson. The location will be addressed during a hearing at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 1 in Department 4 of the Placer County Superior Court. The hearing is open to the public. The Placer County District Attorney's Office has many concerns with the ruling, including: The judge's original decision in early 2022 to grant Stephenson conditional release despite valid public safety concerns. Stephenson's original crimes that placed him in the Sexually Violent Predator program did not take place in Placer County. Liberty Healthcare is a private company without ties to Placer County and no obligation to act in the best interests of the citizens of Placer when placing Sexually Violent Predators. Transient status SVP's have a 50-percent failure rate, according to Liberty Healthcare. Stephenson was granted traditional release in 2014 and failed; he was re-arrested in Roseville in 2017. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, Stephenson's criminal history includes his first conviction of indecent exposure in Sacramento County in 1985; a conviction of indecent exposure and assault and sexual battery in Sacramento County, and four counts of indecent exposure in Contra Costa County, both in 1986; and conviction of sexual penetration by force or fear, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and oral copulation by force or violence in El Dorado County in 1991. The Sheriff's Office reported Stephenson was also found in possession of child pornography three years after his release in 2014. "As the Sheriff of Placer County, my duty is to protect and serve the community," Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo said. "William Stephenson is not someone we can trust to be living freely amongst the public. His criminal history is highly concerning, and I believe he poses a great threat to our community. I vehemently oppose Stephenson's release, and I want to reassure the community we will continue to exercise utmost caution and vigilance as we closely monitor Stephenson if he is released. The safety of our community is our top priority. The Placer County Sheriff's Office will continue to work closely with the District Attorney's Office to strongly oppose Stephenson's release. We encourage our community to take a stand with us — your voices matter. Let us stand united in advocating for the safety and well-being of our community. Together, we can make a difference and help shape a just outcome."