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KHTS: Garcia Condemns Proposed Placement Of Sexually Violent Predator In Lancaster

Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, has been one of many leaders to speak out against the Orange County Superior Court’s consideration of the potential placement of a Sexually Violent Predator, Lawtis Donald Rhoden in Lancaster.
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Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, has been one of many leaders to speak out against the Orange County Superior Court’s consideration of the potential placement of a Sexually Violent Predator, Lawtis Donald Rhoden in Lancaster. 

Rhoden has a history of committing sexually violent crimes against women and girls over the past 50 years, according to a statement from Garcia’s office.

“The Orange County Superior Court’s consideration of the possible placement of Lawtis Donald Rhoden in our community in the Antelope Valley, and specifically Lancaster, is wrong and a direct threat to our community’s security,” Garcia said. “If the Orange County Superior Court truly thinks that Rhoden should be conditionally released to the community, then any proposed placement should be within Orange County. We must not let North Los Angeles County become the disposal area for the rest of the region’s problems, especially when it directly threatens our security. While this issue is under local jurisdiction, I stand with the families of Lancaster against this proposed threat to our neighborhood security in the Antelope Valley. I encourage community members to peacefully speak out against this proposal and prevent this direct threat to our safety and security at home.” 

Community members can share their concerns and comments with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office by Oct. 19, 2021. 

Garcia is just one of many to come out alongside Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and State senator Scott Wilk and publicly condemn the consideration of placing Rhoden in the Antelope Valley. 

The placement hearing for Rhoden is set for Nov. 5, 2021 at the Orange County Superior Court. 

To learn how to share your concerns with the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office and to learn more about Rhoden, click here.