SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A decision regarding the release of a sexually violent predator into Jacumba Hot Springs has been delayed.
A judge said he still needed to look at alternatives after researching the proposed home at 45612 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs where 60-year-old Michael Poulsom would live if released.
After listening to testimony, the judge says he’s not ready to make a decision about whether to grant his petition to be released from a mental hospital.
Poulsom was convicted on three separate occasions, including twice in San Diego, for sex crimes involving children. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1995, but committed to a state hospital as a SVP, a designation for sthose convicted of a sexually violent offense and diagnosed with a mental disorder. In Poulsom's case, he was diagnosed with pedophilia disorder.
He has since petitioned for his release into a conditional release program for sex offenders. Doctors have medically cleared the release.
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Among those that testified today was County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who represents the area where Poulsom would be released. She says there has to be other areas he can go.
"Where are the other 700 places they checked out. I question that and I question if they checked out over 700," Jacob said.
This hearing comes just after the court of appeals threw out a judge’s decision that would have freed the man known as the “Bolder than Most Rapist,” Alvin Quarles.
Quarles was charged in more than 50 rapes, robberies, and burglaries in the 80s. His victims have fought to keep him away from the community.
In Poulsom's case, the judge did not give a timeline as to when he will makes his decision.
City News Service contributed to this report.
