3-3-2008 California:
Coalinga State Hospital sits about 60 miles southwest of Fresno and is home to more than 1,000 sexually violent predators from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
"Less than one percent of all sexual offenders are in this category of 'sexually violent predators'. They are the worst of the worst," said Nancy Kincaid, Spokesperson for Coalinga State Hospital.
Jammie Stallworth's husband was convicted for lewd acts with a minor, and is now receiving rehabilitation at Coalinga State.
Jammie was part of a group gathered outside the hospital Sunday, advocating for the release of her husband and other sexually violent predators from the facility.
"I'm not saying that it wasn't wrong. But they've done all their time like any other criminal," said Stallworth.
But unlike other criminals, those housed in Coalinga State are typically repeat sexual offenders who have completed their prison sentence, but are ordered to extended treatment.
"The court has determined that this individual has a mental disorder that needs treatment before they can be considered safe in the community," said Kincaid.
The hospital's program is designed to help participants get the skills and treatment they need to reduce their risk of re-offending.
But registered sex offender Tom Madison says, he doesn't think the extra treatment is worth the sex offender's time or the taxpayer's dollars.
"They simply want to get on with their lives, but the fear and hysteria is in the stratosphere today," said Madison.
But the hospital says, until their patients are no longer considered high-risk to the community, they will continue to receive treatment behind the walls of Coalinga State Hospital.
"Many of them have multiple offenses and multiple convictions. What price do we put on public safety? Public safety is an absolute priority," said Kincaid.
Coalinga state hospital is the largest employer in the Coalinga area, providing about 2,000 jobs to local residents. ..more.. by Ariana Duarte & Charlene Lee
1 comment:
Of course Kincad would say "...worst of the worst..." and "...until their patients are no longer considered high-risk to the community..." she has a special interest in her profession. After all, hasn't the sex offender industry become quite the lucrative payoff in securing our neighborhoods, schools churches and playgrounds? UM HUMF.
The problem with all this, is the so-called "constitutionality" of how ex-offenders are being railroaded, by congress lashing out with ignorant and swift laws while the media has a feeding frenzy. Monster Bucks!
Legislators aren't stupid. They are attorneys and doctors. They know the laws they are throwing out there are unconstitutional and unfair. They also know that it will be a long time before the laws they pass will make to the Supreme Court. Ex post facto not relevent to ex-offenders...? Who for then?
What group will be next to be puppets for the puppeteers?
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