CA- You Paid For It: Sexual Predators Have to Pay Off Taxpayer Funds Used During Release

10-9-2009 California:

By state law, sexually violent predators are given housing, living expenses and security when they are released from prison. Though all costs are paid with taxpayer dollars, the predators must agree to repay some of the funds they are provided. KRON 4’s Terisa Estacio has learned that some high profile predators are making good on their word.

Four-time sex offender Cary Verse was convicted of molesting young boys. When he was conditionally released form a state hospital he was given housing in Contra Costa County and all living expenses, including therapy, transportation and security to keep him safe from angry protestors, was paid for by taxpayer dollars.

Verse, like other sexually violent predators, must sign a promissory note, agreeing to pay back the thousands of dollars borrowed when released.

The state department of mental health tells Terisa that figure can range from $48,000 per year they are in the program, to $300,000.

According to state records, Verse paid back all the thousands of dollars he used and is now a taxpayer himself.

Another person convicted of molesting several young boys, Timothy Boggs, also used state dollars and paid back the $8,000 he owed.

Patrick Ghilotti is also a convicted serial rapist who is considered a sexually violent predator. When he was released from a state hospital, he moved to home in Vacaville with his wife. Using taxpayer funds, police were put on 24-hour watch, private security was established and new lights were installed all over town to increase safety.

Though Ghilotti was eligible for more money to pay for living expenses, transportation, therapy and groceries, he declined, choosing to pay for everything himself.

According to state records, Ghilotti is on unconditional release and is also a taxpayer.

Terisa notes that not all predators make it through the program and some have to go back to the state hospital. ..Source.. by Kimberlee Sakamoto