Letter on Sexually Violent Predator Matthew Hedge

Supervisor Greg Cox

March 9, 2009

The Honorable Michael Wellington
Judge of the Superior Court of San Diego County
220 West Broadway, Department 55
San Diego, CA 92101

Dear Judge Wellington:

It has come to my attention that the state Department of Mental health has proposed placing Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Matthew Hedge at 511 Alta Road, San Diego, 92179. That location is on state-owned land adjacent to R. J. Donovan State Prison in the Otay Mesa area of San Diego County.

As the member of the Board of Supervisors who represents South San Diego County, I respectfully request that you not place Matthew Hedge anywhere in South County. I firmly believe that the proper housing for these violent and mentally disturbed repeat criminals is behind bars.

As you well know, current State law gives the County of San Diego no choice but to accept the release of sexually violent predators into our region. Although Otay Mesa may appear isolated, that community lies adjacent to neighborhoods that are home to working families. South San Diego County is densely populated with bustling and diverse residential and commercial areas, where Matthew Hedge will shop, recreate and interact daily with children and working families. Plainly put, placing a Sexually Violent Predator like Matthew Hedge in close proximity to one of the most populated areas of our region will pose a severe and grave risk to public safety.

For this reason, I implore you to take all options into consideration for the placement of this sexually violent predator. Should you wish to discuss this issue in more detail, please feel free to contact me at (619) 531-5511.

Sincerely,

GREG COX
Supervisor, First District

CC: James Rostron
Chief of Forensic Services
State Department of Mental Health