Dewayne Michael Smith, 50, a convicted child sex offender, was released into the Manteca community Tuesday after spending some 22 years at Atascadero State Mental Hospital located on the coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Steven Moore said Smith was processed out through the San Joaquin Jail Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. He will reportedly be living with his parents at the El Rancho Mobile Home Park on East Yosemite Avenue, according to Manteca Police spokesman Rex Osborn. Smith was transferred from the state hospital near San Luis Obispo to the San Joaquin County Jail six weeks ago.
Smith was convicted in the late ‘80s of violently assaulting two boys ages 8 and 13 years old and was then committed to the state mental facility. A jury that convened on his commitment reportedly decided that he was no longer a threat and decided to allow his release.
The Megan’s Law website lists his charges as sodomy with force to children under 14, lewd or lascivious acts against children under 14, and oral copulation with a person under 14 by force.
Smith’s release reportedly came as a surprise to his attorney who was quoted as saying the system is not prepared to control individuals such as Smith.
San Joaquin County deputy district attorney Grant Brooks reportedly cited the man’s sexual preference in opposing the Tuesday’s release saying that things don’t change.
By law Smith has five days to register as a sex offender with the Manteca Police Department.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Steven Moore said Smith was processed out through the San Joaquin Jail Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. He will reportedly be living with his parents at the El Rancho Mobile Home Park on East Yosemite Avenue, according to Manteca Police spokesman Rex Osborn. Smith was transferred from the state hospital near San Luis Obispo to the San Joaquin County Jail six weeks ago.
Smith was convicted in the late ‘80s of violently assaulting two boys ages 8 and 13 years old and was then committed to the state mental facility. A jury that convened on his commitment reportedly decided that he was no longer a threat and decided to allow his release.
The Megan’s Law website lists his charges as sodomy with force to children under 14, lewd or lascivious acts against children under 14, and oral copulation with a person under 14 by force.
Smith’s release reportedly came as a surprise to his attorney who was quoted as saying the system is not prepared to control individuals such as Smith.
San Joaquin County deputy district attorney Grant Brooks reportedly cited the man’s sexual preference in opposing the Tuesday’s release saying that things don’t change.
By law Smith has five days to register as a sex offender with the Manteca Police Department.
