Authorities in San Diego County are searching for Merle Wakefield, a convicted sex offender who disappeared after removing his GPS monitoring device. The device entered “Tamper Mode” at about 3:30 a.m. Friday while Wakefield was at a worksite in Rancho Bernardo. A state contractor arrived and found both the monitor and Wakefield missing. Officials are asking the public to report information but warned people not to approach him.
| 1) | GPS alert leads to search at Rancho Bernardo worksite |
| 2) | Authorities seek public assistance and issue safety warning |
| 3) | Wakefield’s convictions and conditional release |
| 4) | Earlier objections to a transient release |
| 5) | Debate over monitoring of sexually violent predators |
GPS alert leads to search at Rancho Bernardo worksite
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said the alert was triggered around 3:30 a.m. Friday at a worksite in Rancho Bernardo, a community in San Diego County. Liberty Healthcare, the state contractor responsible for supervising Wakefield, responded after the GPS system reported that the device had entered “Tamper Mode.” Staff found the monitor removed and Wakefield gone. The company notified the sheriff’s office and San Diego police, beginning an active search that continued Sunday, more than 48 hours after his disappearance.
Wakefield had been working at the location when the monitoring device was removed. Authorities have not announced where he went after leaving the site or described a confirmed sighting since the alert.
Authorities seek public assistance and issue safety warning
The sheriff’s office said it shared the community’s concerns and was working to locate Wakefield. He is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release. Officials asked anyone with information about his whereabouts or possible sightings to contact law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office described Wakefield as 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, with brown eyes. Members of the public were told not to approach or contact him. Anyone who sees him should call 911 or local law enforcement instead.
“It’s been more than 48 hours since Merle Wakefield took off his GPS monitor and walked away. He’s still out there,” San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond wrote.
Wakefield’s convictions and conditional release
Merle Wakefield, 69, was convicted in 1980 and 1991 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and rape by force, according to the sheriff’s office. He has been on conditional release since November 2024 and is classified by authorities as a sexually violent predator.
His current disappearance does not represent a new criminal conviction, but authorities say removing the GPS device and leaving supervision violated the conditions of his release. A court had granted him a transient release in October 2024 rather than placing him in a designated residence.
Earlier objections to a transient release
Wakefield’s release had prompted opposition from local residents and officials before it took effect. An earlier proposal would have placed him in a home in Poway near a school and park. Residents rallied against the location, and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus argued that allowing Wakefield to live without a fixed address would make it more difficult for the public to know where he was staying.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office also opposed releasing him without a fixed residence, citing concerns about limited monitoring and supervision. Spokesperson Tanya Sierra said suitable housing was needed so people granted conditional release could be closely monitored. State Sen. Brian Jones separately questioned whether Wakefield could end up on the streets or in a hotel funded by taxpayers.
“It’s a shell game that puts a community at risk,” Steve Vaus said about the transient release.
Debate over monitoring of sexually violent predators
The case has renewed criticism of California’s sexually violent predator release program. An audit cited by officials found that about 36% of participants had violated the terms of their release. Brian Jones called for an audit and argued that sexually violent predators should remain in state hospitals rather than be placed in communities.
The California Department of State Hospitals said the court ultimately decides whether a person designated as a sexually violent predator can be conditionally released. The department said supervision can include GPS monitoring, unannounced home visits and surveillance, and that violations may result in a return to a state hospital. Wakefield’s court order reportedly required 24-hour in-person supervision wherever he stayed, but the GPS alert showed that the monitoring arrangement had failed to keep him in place.
| Number | Key Point |
| 1 | Wakefield disappeared from a Rancho Bernardo worksite after a GPS tamper alert. |
| 2 | Liberty Healthcare found the monitoring device removed and notified police. |
| 3 | He is wanted for violating conditional-release terms. |
| 4 | Authorities warn the public not to approach him. |
| 5 | The disappearance has intensified debate over California’s release and monitoring system. |
Summary
The search for Merle Wakefield remains active after he removed his GPS monitor and disappeared from a San Diego County worksite. The incident has raised renewed questions about transient release arrangements, supervision requirements and the reliability of electronic monitoring for sexually violent predators. Authorities are urging the public to provide information safely through law enforcement channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Merle Wakefield?
Merle Wakefield is a 69-year-old convicted sex offender who was placed on conditional release in November 2024 after convictions in 1980 and 1991.
When and where did he disappear?
His GPS monitor entered Tamper Mode at about 3:30 a.m. Friday at a worksite in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego County. Supervisors later found the device removed and Wakefield gone.
What should the public do if they see him?
Authorities say people should not approach or contact Wakefield. They should call 911 or local law enforcement and report any information that may help locate him.
