Registered Violent Predator AA Member Might Have His Restrictions Lifted

Restrictions on a registered sexually violent predator may be lifted

February 25, 2013|By ANTOINE ABOU-DIWAN | Staff Writer

Restrictions on a registered sexually violent predator living in Brawley may be lifted if a petition filed earlier this month by his public defender is granted.

If granted, Richard Horn will no longer have to submit to polygraph tests or undergo treatment. Supervision will be lifted.

“The outpatient provider, Liberty Healthcare, made the recommendation for unconditional release,” said Fresno Public Defender Richard Oberto.

The Imperial County District Attorney’s office opposes Horn’s unconditional release, and on Friday filed paperwork in opposition.

“The best predictor of future behavior is to look at past conduct,” said Imperial County Assistant District Attorney Deborah Owen.

Horn was convicted of attempted sexual assault in 1979, and rape, kidnapping and sexual assault in 1980. Both events occurred in Arizona. He was again convicted of rape in San Diego County in 1984. Following his release in 1993, Horn was arrested in Fresno for petty theft.

Horn was evaluated as a sexually violent predator while serving time for petty theft, and officials recommended that he be involuntarily committed as a sexually violent predator.

He was granted a supervised release and relocated to Imperial County — his county of domicile, despite opposition from the community.

The petition filed in favor of Horn’s release cites reports from a clinical social worker and mental health experts that state he no longer suffers from fantasies associated with coercive sexual behavior, and that testing that measures response to given stimulus confirms these assessments. It also cites a letter written by his fiancée that states that Horn’s sexual attitudes and behavior toward her are those of a healthy male.

Fresno County was the prosecuting agency in Horn’s conviction for petty theft as well as his being committed as a sexually violent predator, Owen saiThe paperwork submitted by Fresno County’s deputy district attorney states that Horn’s impulsive purchases and spending indicate a lack of self control. Furthermore, it states that Horn does follow his current terms and conditions, citing an incident in which he allegedly disrobed down to his underwear while volunteering at cemetery. Additionally, it states that his activities with Alcoholics Anonymous have waned.It is not known when the judge will decide the matter

“We will be working closely with Fresno County and try to get him to remain on supervised conditional release. We do not want the petition granted,” Owen said. “If the judge grants the petition, there will be a new trial.”

Staff Writer Antoine Abou-Diwan can be reached at 760-337-3454 or aabou-diwan@ivpressonline.com

http://articles.ivpressonline.com/2013-02-25/sexually-violent-predator_37315156

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