Full Breakdown
Search for a Conditionally Released Sex Offender in San Diego
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced that Merle Wakefield, a convicted sexual predator, is currently wanted after his GPS monitoring device entered “tamper mode” and was later found removed while he was working in the Rancho Bernardo area during the early morning hours of a recent September day. Authorities say Wakefield violated the terms of his conditional release and are asking the public for assistance in locating him.
Background on the Conditional Release Program
Wakefield, who has been under California’s conditional release program since 2024, is supervised by Liberty Health Care. He was previously convicted in 1980 and again in 1991 for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old and for rape by force. The program requires participants to wear GPS devices that transmit location data to supervising agencies; tampering with the device constitutes a breach of release conditions.
Law-Enforcement Response
Sheriff’s officials reported that when supervisors arrived at Wakefield’s workplace, the GPS unit was missing. The department classified the incident as a violation of release terms and issued a warrant for his arrest. Officers emphasized that Wakefield is considered a sexually violent predator and that any contact with him could pose a serious risk.
Public Safety Guidance
The Sheriff’s Office warned residents that Wakefield is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs about 230 pounds, and has brown eyes. Community members are instructed not to approach or engage with him. Anyone who believes they have seen Wakefield should immediately contact local law enforcement or dial 911.
Current Status and Next Steps
Wakefield remains at large, and the investigation continues. Authorities are reviewing GPS data and other investigative leads while maintaining an active public appeal for information that could lead to his apprehension. The department has not provided a timeline for his capture, but the search remains a priority for public safety.