Alta location proposed for placement of sexually violent predator

A property in Placer County has been identified as a proposed placement for William Stephenson, a sexually violent predator who was granted conditional release into the county in July 2023. The Placer County District Attorney's Office announced Monday afternoon the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and its contractor, Liberty Health, have proposed 33935 Alta Oaks Road in Alta. According to the DA's Office, a hearing to determine whether the location is suitable for Stephenson has been set for Friday, Feb. 13, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 30 of the Santucci Justice Center in Roseville. "The Placer County District Attorney's office has opposed the conditional release of Sexually Violent Predator Stephenson for more than four years. The District Attorney's Office's opposition to SVP Stephenson's release and placement remains unchanged," the DA's Office said in an email update Monday. In the community meeting held on Dec. 16, 2025, Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire noted Stephenson's release should be suspended due to Stephenson's acknowledgement of having sexual fantasies of a former victim and possession of contraband for another DSH patient. "This risk assessment is just that," Gire told the housing committee on Dec. 16. "It's an opinion of the Department of State Hospitals that he is not going to reoffend and victimize someone else in Placer County. I hope you get this right because if you're wrong, the consequences will be disastrous." State law requires public notice and allows affected agencies and the community to provide input before the court makes a decision on the placement. According to the DA's Office community comments should focus on the specific proposed address, as it will help the court in determining if the proposed residence is appropriate. Letter guidelines can be found at placer.ca.gov/10649/Letter-guideline---SVP-S-CV-0037867. A town hall will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Alta Community Center, 33950 Alta Bonnynook Road, in conjunction with the DA's Office, Placer County Sheriff's Office and Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. The DA's Office confirmed the town hall will provide information on the SVP placement process, what will happen at the next court meeting, outline what the county is doing to ensure public safety and give residents an opportunity to provide address-specific feedback, ask questions and voice their concerns. Community comments will be accepted until Wednesday, Jan. 28. Comments can be submitted at placer.ca.gov/SVP. Editor's note: This story was updated at 1:36 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 to include the confirmed date and time of the scheduled town hall.