Police hunt sexually violent predator who vanished after GPS 'tamper mode' alert, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-hunt-sexually-violent-predator-who-vanished-after-gps-tamper-mode-alert)

28-09-2026

Here is a summary of the article:

Authorities in California are searching for 69-year-old Merle Wakefield, a designated sexually violent predator and convicted child sex offender who disappeared after removing his GPS tracking monitor.

Key details reported in the article include:

  • The Incident: Wakefield’s ankle monitor triggered a “Tamper Mode” alert around 3:30 a.m. on a Friday while he was at a worksite in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego County. Representatives from Liberty Healthcarethe state contractor responsible for supervising himarrived to find the tracker removed and Wakefield missing.

  • Criminal Background: Wakefield was convicted in 1980 and 1991 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and forcible rape. He had been placed on conditional release in November 2024.

  • Community and Official Pushback: His conditional release had faced strong opposition from local leaders, including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, and state legislators. Officials had criticized the court’s decision to grant him a “transient release” without a fixed permanent address, warning that it compromised public safety and supervision.

  • Description and Warning: Wakefield is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing roughly 230 pounds, with brown eyes. Law enforcement has warned members of the public not to approach or contact him if spotted, and to immediately contact 911 or local police.



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