Sexually Violent Predator Missing After GPS Monitor Tampered With in San Diego

Authorities are searching for Merle Wakefield, 69, a convicted sexually violent predator who went missing in San Diego County after his GPS monitoring device was found tampered with on Friday.

Wakefield was working in Rancho Bernardo when his GPS monitor alerted to “Tamper Mode” at approximately 3:30 a.m. Friday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Liberty Healthcare, the state contractor responsible for his supervision, responded to the worksite and discovered the monitor removed and Wakefield absent. The company subsequently notified the sheriff's office and San Diego police.

The sheriff's office stated Sunday that it is working diligently to locate Wakefield and shares the community's concerns. They have requested the public's assistance in reporting any sightings or information that could aid in his apprehension.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond expressed urgency on Facebook, noting that it had been over 48 hours since Wakefield removed his monitor. Desmond described Wakefield as a “convicted child molester and violent rapist” and criticized the state for its lack of public communication regarding the disappearance.

Wakefield is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release. He has a history of convictions from 1980 and 1991 for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and rape by force. He had been on conditional release since November 2024.

Desmond indicated that Wakefield had already departed by the time Liberty Healthcare personnel arrived following the GPS alert. He previously voiced concerns about Wakefield's release into the community, stating that it occurred less than two years prior to his disappearance and that promises of monitoring and supervision had been made.

Local officials had previously raised objections to Wakefield's release. In October 2024, a San Diego judge granted him a transient release instead of placing him in a designated residence, a decision that faced opposition. An earlier proposal to house Wakefield near a school and park in Poway had drawn protests from residents, with Mayor Steve Vaus arguing that a lack of a fixed address would hinder public knowledge of his whereabouts.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office also opposed releasing Wakefield without a fixed residence, citing concerns over inadequate monitoring and supervision. A spokesperson noted that the Department of State Hospitals and Liberty Healthcare were expected to secure suitable housing for close monitoring of individuals on conditional release.

State Sen. Brian Jones had also expressed concerns about Wakefield's potential placement, suggesting he might end up in hotels at taxpayer expense and emphasizing the importance of the tracking device. Jones had previously called for an audit of California's sexually violent predator program, which found that approximately 36% of participants had violated their release terms. He advocated for keeping sexually violent predators in hospitals rather than communities.

The California Department of State Hospitals defended its supervision program, which includes GPS monitoring and unannounced home visits, stating that court orders ultimately determine conditional releases. The department noted that violations could lead to re-hospitalization. A court order for Wakefield reportedly stipulated 24-hour in-person supervision at his residence.

Desmond reiterated his opposition to such placements, asserting that these individuals should remain in state hospitals or jail. He stated that when state law permits their release into communities, families bear the consequences.

Wakefield is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 230 pounds, with brown eyes. Authorities are warning the public not to approach him if sighted and to immediately contact 911 or local law enforcement.