Rep. Obernolte testifies against relocation of sexually violent predator to Newberry Springs
U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R- Hesperia) testified on Thursday alongside San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson and numerous community members at an Orange County court hearing on the tentative placement of sexually violent predator Lawtis Rhoden in Newberry Springs. This is the second time Rep. Obernolte has testified in front of the Orange County court after helping to secure a reversal of the decision to place Rhoden in Twentynine Palms earlier this year.
“It strains credibility that there is nowhere in either Orange County or Los Angeles County where this predator could be placed. The community of Newberry Springs is already facing public safety concerns due to the outbreak of large-scale illegal marijuana grows. Dumping a violent rapist into the community is unconscionable. California’s 8th District is not a home for other people’s violent predators, and I will once again do everything in my power to fight against this unfair placement,” said Rep. Obernolte.
At the hearing, Rep. Obernolte highlighted the serious public safety concerns associated with the Newberry Springs placement, including long 911 response times, limited law enforcement resources, and the location of a school bus stop where two young girls fitting Rhoden’s victim profile are picked up for school each morning. The proposed placement location is also near an area known for prostitution, one of the top issues listed to avoid on Rhoden’s treatment plan.
Rhoden has no ties to San Bernardino County and had previously been convicted of crimes in Orange County and Los Angeles County, among others. He has served multiple prison sentences for convictions of child rape and has a long history of targeting children. In his court assigned placement, Rhoden’s safety, as well as the safety of the community, would be the responsibility of local law enforcement officials.
Newberry Springs’ rural location and unincorporated status means that the San Bernardino County Sheriff would need to devote even more resources to this one individual while the department is already working hard to combat the rise in dangerous large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation in the area.