SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A judge decided Friday to place a sexually violent predator in the East County community of Boulevard.
Michael Joseph Martinez, 64 has multiple previous convictions including child molestation and lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14, according to County Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s office.
The judge added Friday that the sheriff’s department will be extra vigilant and security will be heightened.
The judge decided to place Martinez at the Department of State Hospitals recommended location of 2135 McCain Valley Road. The schools closest to the address include Clover Flats Elementary School and Jacumba Elementary School, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
A mother of one of the victims from 25 years ago spoke at the hearing saying, “I know that you can’t change the order and I’m glad that there’s going to be very strict ordering, but I hope this doesn’t happen to another child or family.”
RELATED: Dianne Jacob slams proposed placement of predator
Jacob said the placement would put public safety at risk. She adds that several sexually violent predators have been placed in East County in recent years and in some cases, the convicts ended up violating the conditions of their placement.
In a letter to Judge David M. Gill, Jacob recommended that Martinez be placed in a state mental hospital or, if necessary, released to a trailer next to Donovan State Prison in Otay Mesa.
Jacob represents San Diego County’s District 2, covering most of the eastern two-thirds of the county.
San Diego County is home to approximately 4,000 registered sex offenders. About half of them have committed crimes against children. 10 percent are homeless, according to the District Attorney’s office.You can get information about sex offender who may be living near you through the Megan’s Law website.
San Diego County residents can also receive alerts about sex offenders who move into their area here.
