Title
Oppose the Placement of Sexually Violent Predators Michael Poulsom and Reynaldo Delrosario in the Unincorporated Community of Boulevard and Waive Board Policy A-72 (Districts: All)
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Overview
On September 11, 2026, the public was notified that Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers will consider approving the release of Sexually Violent Predators Michael Poulsom and Reynaldo Delrosario from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and the placement of these two Sexually Violent Predators in the unincorporated community of Boulevard. Judge Weathers is expected to issue his decision on October 15, 2026.
On September 25, 2026, the public was notified that Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield, whose placement was opposed by the County, removed his Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking monitor while working in the City of San Diego community of Rancho Bernardo and his location is currently unknown. Sexually Violent Predator Wakefield remains at large and a potential threat throughout the County of San Diego.
Because the Department of State Hospitals and its contractor, Liberty Healthcare, have demonstrated that they are not able to adequately protect San Diego residents from the Sexually Violent Predators they are responsible for overseeing, we are recommending that the County send a letter to Judge Weathers asking him to reject the release and pending placement of Sexually Violent Predators Poulsom and Delrosario in the unincorporated community of Boulevard. We are also recommending that the County send a letter to DHS and Liberty Healthcare asking them to inform the County of the actions they are taking to locate and return Sexually Violent Predator Wakefield into their guardianship and to inform the County of all corrective actions they are pursuing to guarantee this will not occur again with any other Sexually Violent Predators under their supervision.
Our recommendations are being submitted via a late docket request to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider sending new and vital information about the proposed placement of two additional Sexually Violent Predators in San Diego County prior to the October 15, 2026, hearing date and placement decision by the San Diego County Superior Court.
Body
Recommendations by Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Jim Desmond
1) Waive Board Policy A-72 Agenda and Related Process, Section 2.C.2.ii, which establishes required timelines for review when preparing a Board Letter.
2) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to send a letter to San Diego Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers informing him of the recent escape of Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield and requesting that Judge Weathers reject the release of Sexually Violent Predators Michael Poulsom and Reynaldo Delrosario from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and the placement of these two Sexually Violent Predators in the unincorporated community of Boulevard.
3) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to send a letter to the Department of State Hospitals and their contractor, Liberty Healthcare, asking them to inform the County of the actions they are taking to locate and return Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield into their guardianship and asking them to inform the County of the actions they will take to ensure that the other Sexually Violent Predators they are monitoring in San Diego County will not evade the monitoring conditions of their parole.
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Equity Impact Statement
Approval of this item will help prevent the possibility that additional Sexually Violent Predators will not be released and placed in economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the County’s unincorporated communities.
Sustainability Impact Statement
The proposed actions contribute to the social sustainability of San Diego County by prioritizing community safety, well-being, and resilience in unincorporated areas. Ensuring that residents-particularly vulnerable populations such as children-are protected from potential threats supports the health and safety dimensions of regional sustainability. Furthermore, opposing the concentrated placement of Sexually Violent Predators in economically disadvantaged, rural, or unincorporated communities aligns with just and equitable distribution principles. It will help prevent disproportionate community burdens, preserve public safety infrastructure, and foster a secure environment where families and businesses can thrive.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s action. If approved, there will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years as a result of these recommendations.
Business Impact Statement
The recommended actions protect and benefit local businesses within the unincorporated area and the broader San Diego region. Opposing the concentration of Sexually Violent Predators in economically vulnerable areas may prevent adverse economic impacts, such as diminished consumer presence and increased private security burdens for local business owners. By proactively advocating for community safety and stricter oversight, this action will help foster a secure and predictable economic environment. This stability allows local merchants and service providers to operate safely, retain patrons, and contribute to the economic vitality of the rural unincorporated area.
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
The Department of State Hospitals (DHS), the department responsible for treating and overseeing California’s Sexually Violent Predators, contracts with Liberty Healthcare to identify housing placements for Sexually Violent Predators following their release. DHS and Liberty have concentrated their focus on placing Sexually Violent Predators in housing primarily located in low-income communities in the County’s unincorporated area.
Despite the County’s numerous and vociferous objections to the release and placement of Sexually Violent Predators in San Diego County, judges serving on San Diego’s Superior Court continue to approve the placement of these dangerous individuals - including at a home directly across the street of a school bus stop.
On September 11, 2026, the public was jointly notified by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force that Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers will consider approving the conditional release and placement of two Sexually Violent Predators in San Diego County. If approved by Judge Weathers, Sexually Violent Predators Michael Poulsom and Reynaldo Delrosario will be placed in the unincorporated community of Boulevard. Judge Weathers is expected to issue his decision on October 15, 2026.
On September 25, 2026, the public was notified that Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield, whose placement was opposed by the County, removed his Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking monitor while working in the City of San Diego community of Rancho Bernardo and escaped. Sexually Violent Predator Wakefield was granted a conditional transient release by a Superior Court judge in November 2024 when a specific residential placement could not be identified. Wakefield was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old and rape by force. Sexually Violent Predator Wakefield remains at large and a potential threat throughout the County of San Diego.
Because the Department of State Hospitals and its contractor, Liberty Healthcare, have demonstrated that they are not able to adequately protect San Diego residents from the Sexually Violent Predators they are responsible for overseeing, we are recommending that the County send a letter to Judge Weathers asking him to reject the release and placement of Sexually Violent Predators Poulsom and Delrosario in the unincorporated community of Boulevard. We are also recommending that the County send a letter to DHS and Liberty Healthcare asking them to inform the County of the actions they are taking to locate and return Sexually Violent Predator Wakefield into their guardianship and to inform the County of all corrective actions they are pursuing to guarantee this will not occur again with any other Sexually Violent Predators under their supervision.
Our recommendations are being submitted via a late docket request to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider sending new and vital information about the proposed placement of two additional Sexually Violent Predators in San Diego County prior to the October 15, 2026, hearing date and placement decision by the San Diego County Superior Court.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
The recommended action supports the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Community (Safety) initiative by supporting safety for all communities, including protection from crime and community preparedness.
Respectfully submitted,
Joel Anderson Jim Desmond
Supervisor, Second District Supervisor, Fifth District
Attachment
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office September 27, 2026, Press Release