San Diego authorities are searching for 69-year-old Merle Wakefield after his GPS monitor registered a "Tamper Mode" alert at a Rancho Bernardo worksite and supervisors found the device removed. Wakefield, on conditional release since November 2024, has prior convictions including lewd acts with a child and rape by force. Local officials had opposed releasing him without a fixed residence; state officials say courts decide releases and that monitoring includes GPS and unannounced visits. Authorities urge the public not to approach Wakefield and to report sightings to law enforcement.
Manhunt in San Diego After Sexually Violent Predator Removes GPS Monitor, Vanishes
Most recent mugshot of Merle Wakefield wearing a gray hoodie
Authorities in San Diego County are conducting an active search for 69-year-old Merle Wakefield after his GPS monitor registered a “Tamper Mode” alert at a Rancho Bernardo worksite early Friday morning.
The most recent mugshot of Merle Wakefield, who is wanted after disappearing in San Diego County.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office said the tamper alert occurred at about 3:30 a.m. Liberty Healthcare, the state-contracted supervisor assigned to monitor Wakefield, responded to the scene and discovered the tracking device had been removed and Wakefield was no longer present. Liberty Healthcare notified the sheriff's office and San Diego police, prompting the ongoing investigation.
A 2024 mugshot of Merle Wakefield, who has been on conditional release since November of that year.
Background and Criminal History
Wakefield, who has been on conditional release since November 2024, was convicted in 1980 and again in 1991 of lewd or lascivious acts involving a child under 14 and of rape by force, according to the sheriff's office. He is now wanted for violating the terms of that conditional release.
A 2021 mugshot of Merle Wakefield, who is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release.
Controversy Over Release And Supervision
Local officials and prosecutors had previously opposed releasing Wakefield without a fixed residence. In October 2024, a judge granted him a transient release rather than placing him in a designated home — the third attempt to find a suitable placement in San Diego County. Critics argued that a lack of stable housing would complicate monitoring and public safety.
California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, R-San Diego, is shown.
The California Department of State Hospitals has defended the conditional-release process, noting courts decide whether a person designated a sexually violent predator may be released. State officials described supervision tools that include GPS monitoring, unannounced home visits and other surveillance, and said violations can result in a return to a state hospital.
Response And Public Safety
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and other local leaders have voiced strong objections to the release and renewed criticism after Wakefield's disappearance. The sheriff's office said it "shares the community's concerns" and is working to locate Wakefield, asking the public to report any relevant sightings or tips.
Authorities described Wakefield as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 230 pounds, with brown eyes. Officials warned members of the public not to approach him and to call 911 or local law enforcement immediately if they see him.
Investigators continue to probe how the GPS unit was removed and Wakefield's whereabouts after the tamper alert. Locals and officials await further updates as the search remains a priority for law enforcement.
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