SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials are informing the public of a sexually violent predator who was released from a state hospital and has moved to the far East County.
Sheriff's officials said Herman Joseph Smith now lives at a residence on 42920 Desert Rose Ranch Road in Jacumba Hot Springs. Smith, who was released from Coalinga State Hospital on May 17, is a registered sexually violent predator (SVP) with the state's Department of Justice and San Diego County.
The 71-year-old Smith has convictions dating back to 1993 for rape by force, rape of a drugged victim, oral copulation with a minor under 14, and sodomy with a person under 14, according to the Megan's Law website.
According to officials, deputies and members of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force went door-to-door in the neighborhood to notify residents of Smith's arrival.
The location of Smith's new residence was selected by the Department of State Hospitals.
