A Los Angeles County supervisor is among those expected to speak at a public hearing Friday morning regarding the potential placement of a convicted sexually violent predator in an Antelope Valley neighborhood.
In a letter to the Orange County judge presiding over the matter, Sup. Kathryn Barger listed several reasons why the proposed placement of Lawtis Rhoden in Lancaster is not appropriate.
“Enough is enough. This is becoming an issue of equity and we cannot allow the North County to be a recurrent location for violent criminals who have no nexus or connection to the area,” Barger, who represents the Antelope Valley region, said.
“Rhoden is a sexually violent predator who has committed heinous crimes against women and girls across multiple regions over the past 50 years.”
Rhoden's history of abuse is extensive, and the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office details crimes dating all the way back to 1969. His crimes include sexual assaults of children in multiple states, including California. Several assaults occurred while he was on parole, the DA’s Office said.
In her letter of protest, Barger went on to say that the O.C. Superior Court determined Orange County as Rhoden’s official place of residence - which is why she believes if he is to be placed in a neighborhood, it should be in that county, not L.A.
“I find it hard to believe that [no communities in Orange County] have been found, forcing the search to extend to Los Angeles and other surrounding counties,” Barger said.
Rhoden’s proposed placement address is in a neighborhood on 25th Street East in Lancaster, an area “approximately eight miles from the closest Sheriff’s station” that is also “a considerable distance from any support programs and essential care services,” Barger said, adding that unreliable cell and GPS service in the area is also a concern.
Rhoden is the second proposed placement of a sexually violent predator in the Antelope Valley in the last few months, Barger said. Earlier this year, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office fought to keep Rhoden from being placed in Twentynine Palms and was successful.
The hearing over his placement in Antelope Valley will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 5.
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