Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
December 4, 2013 (Campo) – Despite protests from Campo residents, the state has proposed a new location in this rural community to house a sexually violent predator, Douglas Badger, 70. The home is located at 1138 Custer Rd. It is about 200 yards from the nearest neighbor and 2.2 miles from the nearest elementary school.
Public comment regarding the proposed location can be submitted until Dec. 20. Email submissions should be sent to sdsafe@sdsheriff.org. Comments can be submitted by phone by calling (858) 495-3619. State officials have scheduled a Jan. 3 hearing on the matter.
The California Department of State Hospitals previously proposed releasing Badger at a different location, also in Campo. But after protests by residents, the propery owner withdrew his offer to house Badger there.
Tax records indicate the new site proposed is presently owned by a San Diego-area attorney, Jack Mann: http://www.moplegal.com/mann.html
Badger has been convicted of kidnapping and raping young male hitchhikers and sexually assaulting a young girl. He’s been diagnosed as a sexual sadist, served several long terms in state prison for his crimes including an attack in San Diego. He spent another 18 years in a state mental hospital. He was later released to trailer on the grounds of Donovan State Prison in Otay Mesa, but was returned to Atascadero State Hospital due to regression in his mental state and psychological diagnoses.
"He has re-offended every time he has been released. Would you want him in your El Cajon neighborhood?" asked Campo resident Claudia Millerbragg.
In a letter to property owner Mann, Milllerbragg wrote, "The sheriff's substation closes at 8 p.m. and no one is there until the next morning. Why should Border Patrol babysit your mentally ill renter? You are fully aware of the risk you are putting upon this community. You are concerned only with the income from the property and not the safety of the children or people in this community." She added that if Badger reoffends while living at Mann's property, "I certainly hope that you are held partially accountable."
A respresentative of Mann sent Millerbragg a reply stating that Badger has limited mobility due to medical concerns. In addition, the spokesman disclosed that Badger will wear a tracking device and have an appointed driver/security person at all times. The property is fenced and gated, plus he will have regular court appointed visits. The spokesman, identified as "Anthony" in an e-mail, added, "The courts agreed he is stable and since he HAS completed his sentence as determined by the court, he has paid his debt to society and entitled to what the courts now determine."
Supervisor Dianne Jacob has opposed the release of Badger in the backcountry due to his violent history as a serial sexual predator. She has noted that in recent years, other sexual predators placed in rural East County have violated the terms of their release and were sent back to a mental institution.
Recent comments