Twentynine Palms community outraged over potential placement of sexual predator
Members in the city of Twentynine Palms are fighting to keep a convicted serial child rapist out of their neighborhood.
News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on the push to keep him out.
“ I can’t even really grasp it in my mind," said Gary Link, a Twentynine Palms resident. "I don’t even know why this is a thought that they are going to let this happen. I have a 9-year-old son.”
There's an outrage from people who live on Lupine Avenue in Twentynine Palms. A sexually violent predator could soon be their neighbor.
He’s 72-year-old Lawtis Rhoden. He’s pleaded guilty to several charges dating as far back as the 1960’s, including raping five girls between the ages of 13 to 17 in three states.
“They want to put some guy who's been convicted of child molestation, who hasn’t learned his lesson," said John Breuer, a Twentynine Palms resident.
On October 25, 2019, the Orange County Superior Court ordered Rhoden conditionally released into the community under the supervision of Liberty Healthcare.
On February 5, 2021, the Orange County Superior Court found “extraordinary circumstances” existed to authorize relocating Rhoden outside of Orange County.
“We have a school down the street, you have people that come for the park with all their kids," said Breuer. "It's not a place for a guy like that. Why don’t they keep him in his own city."
Deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department have gone door-to-door warning people about the possibility of Rhoden being placed in the High Desert.
The Twentynine Palms Mayor told News Channel 3 Rhoden is not welcome there.
“We are going to fight it tooth and nail to seize this person doesn't get drop into our community," said Daniel Mintz, Mayor of Twentynine Palms.
City and county leaders are joining community members in taking action. Mayor Mintz said they are not stopping their efforts.
“We have about over 5,000 signatures on the petition on change.org to have that person not come here," said Mintz.
"We’re gonna try do a flyover of the community so we can show the court how many people live in that area, its heavily residential area," said Mintz.
If residents want to sign the petition, click here.
Residents may also write or email the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff’s Department at paffairs@sbcsd.org or send a letter to:
San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
303 West 3rd Street, 4th Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0502
Attn: Deputy District Attorney Maureen O’Connell
Twentynine Palms Emergency Community Meeting:
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021.
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Twentynine Palms Community Services Building
Address: 74325 Joe Davis Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277.
Virtual Meeting Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6894447393785877007
Community Petition: http://chng.it/CpQBkPBZ
