Alta location proposed for placement of sexually violent predator rejected by court

The proposed placement location for William Stephenson, a sexually violent predator who was granted conditional release into the county in July 2023, was rejected by the Placer County Superior Court on Friday. Stephenson's proposed placement was postponed last week due to potential legal issues with the residence at 33935 Alta Oaks Road. Friday's hearing, initially scheduled as the conditional release hearing, was changed to an evidentiary hearing to address the issues. Judge Garen J. Horst began proceedings by noting to the filled-to-capacity gallery his lack of attendance at the Jan. 20 town hall did not express a lack of interest and he planned to visit the site himself. Horst then provided a summation of recent developments in the case and confirmed he has looked at and appreciated every comment submitted by the Alta community. "Every letter and comment will be considered," Horst stated. During the proceedings to determine the suitability and legality of the proposed location, evidence was presented to the court of a private school being in close proximity of 33935 Alta Oaks Road. Scott Alford, an investigator with the Placer County District Attorney's Office, confirmed the residence is less than a 2½-minute walk from Little Bear Creative Academy, a private school established within a neighboring home. The court also received testimony from Dustin DeVriend, executive director of Little Bear Creative Academy. DeVriend confirmed an affidavit was filed on Jan. 16 for Little Bear to be recognized as a private school as well as aspects regarding the school's operation. Horst determined Little Bear Creative Academy to be a legitimate school and is established within a quarter-mile of the proposed placement location. Horst confirmed 33935 Alta Oaks Road is not a safe location and rejected the proposed placement, placing the search "back to square one." The courtroom filled with applause following Horst's decision. Additionally, Horst confirmed that while the hold on the proposed location will continue, Liberty Healthcare will continue to search for a suitable location for Stephenson's placement. Following the hearing, DeVriend told the Auburn Journal he was, "Grateful for Judge Horst and his ruling." The next status hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, in Department 32 in Roseville. The DA's Office confirmed the hearing will confirm whether any appeals have been filed as well as receive an updated housing search report from the California Department of State Hospitals. In a newsletter update Friday afternoon, the DA's Office thanked the Alta community for its commitment. "Your dedication to your community, to one another, and to the integrity of the legal process was evident throughout. The strength and unity of Alta was so clear - the Court itself acknowledged it in open session. Your voices made a difference, and your commitment to protecting your community did not go unnoticed," the update stated.