A judge took under submission Dec. 19 a decision to release a sexually violent predator (SVP) with conditions in a house in Jacumba Hot Springs.
The written decision by San Diego Superior Court Judge Albert Harutunian III for Thomas Joseph Cornwell, 41, will likely be after Jan. 1.
The proposed site of a house on McCain Valley Road looks closer to Boulevard on the map and Interstate 8 is nearby. Another sexually violent predator lived there previously.
Three people objected to the release including Jeff Collins, an aide to County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. He said the release is unfair to the back country area because a number of others were placed there.
A Boulevard property owner, Alice Keyser, said “we don’t feel safe” with other sexually violent predators being released. She said it was a risk because children play outdoors.
“It is not the proper place for Mr. Cornwell. East County is overflowing with sexual offenders,” said Alice Keyser.
Keyser said the sparsely populated area consists of mostly retired people and poor residents as there is no industry out there.
“Perhaps La Jolla would be a better place,” said Keyser, who said more educated people with higher incomes live there who had the resources to secure property.
“East County should not have to deal with these predators,” said Keyser. “We’re unfairly treated.”
“This has got to stop,” said Terry Larson. “It’s wrong. These laws need to be changed.”
The 41-year-old is one of the youngest sexually violent predators to be part of a conditional release program as most other offenders are at least 56 years old.
Cornwell is currently housed at Coalinga State Hospital after he finished an 8-year prison term. He was convicted of lewd acts with two children in 2006 and 2008.
If approved, he would be released under supervision with Liberty Healthcare, who hires security guards to be present at all times when he leaves the house. The Department of State Hospitals recommended release.
David Forester, who represents Liberty Healthcare, told the judge there have no incidents of anyone being released and re-offending in San Diego County.
Some SVPs have been returned to Coalinga because they violated release conditions, and not new molestation allegations.
Cornwell filed for conditional release on April 5. Deputy District Attorney Jessica Coto opposed his release.
A 5-day civil trial started on Sept. 13 and it included testimony from multiple doctors and treatment providers. Harutunian granted the conditional release of Cornwell from the hospital and the only issue is where.
Cornwell has been diagnosed with pedophilic disorder and is sexually attracted to both sexes, according to the District Attorney’s office.
