Placer County Sheriff backs Native tribe’s opposition to placement of sexually violent predator placement

Matthew Nobert
·2 min read

(FOX40.COM) — Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo voiced his support of the United Auburn Indian Community on Thursday in their opposition to the placement of a sexually violent predator near their tribal lands.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Woo said, “I wholeheartedly support the position of the United Auburn Indian Community and feel the Department of State Hospitals should not ignore their opinions and concerns. Our government firmly recognizes the rights of the Indigenous people of Placer County. I believe this placement location ignores those rights and disregards our tribe’s legitimate concerns.”

Placer County tribal leaders oppose planned placement of sexually violent predator

This statement by Woo comes days after the UAIC voiced its opposition to the placement of William Stephenson, a sexually violent predator, near their tribal lands.

“The placement of a sexually violent predator near tribal lands is irresponsible and could be a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our tribal members,” said Gene Whitehouse, Chairman of UAIC. “We call for immediate action and ask authorities to reconsider their decision to place SVP Stephenson near our Indian lands.”

During a check-in with the Placer County Superior Court on Monday regarding the placement of Stephenson, the Department of State Hospitals said that while they have not selected a landing location for Stephenson, they were considering a property near tribal lands.

The conversation around Stephenson’s placement began in January 2022 when a Placer County judge approved his conditional release. At that time the Department of State Hospitals was tasked with finding him housing.

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In July 2023, a Placer County judge announced the release of Stephenson into Placer County as a transient. The DSH would be responsible for finding a property, such as a trailer.

Stephenson has a history of sex crimes dating back to the 90s. Although he was set to be released months ago, state officials have not been able to find suitable housing and the Placer County community has been fighting his release there.

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