A March 22 court hearing has been set for the latest sexual violent predator’s proposed release in Jacumba Hot Springs.
Alan Earl James, 56, has finished a 28-year prison term that was imposed in 1986 and has petitioned San Diego Superior Court to be released from the Coalinga State Hospital where he has lived since his term ended.
James was convicted in 1986 of child molestation, kidnapping, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and unlawful touching of three minor victims in San Diego County, according to the District Attorney’s office.
James has undergone treatment at the psychiatric hospital for 19 years and the hospital has recommended his release.
Judge Albert Harutunian III will hold a hearing on Friday, March 22 ,at 9 a.m. and hear public comment regarding the proposed release at a house on Old Highway 80.
If released, the agency, Liberty Healthcare, has been contracted by the Department of State Hospitals to set up a monitored program for James. Security guards will be employed to be with him on a 24-hour basis.
James petitioned for his release in 2014, 2015, and 2017, but the hospital did not recommend release because he had not yet finished his treatment.
There are four other SVPs who have been released in Jacumba Hot Springs, Campo, Boulevard, and Borrego Hot Springs. One SVP died of cancer about a year after his release in the back country.
