Placer County tribal leaders oppose planned placement of sexually violent predator

Matthew Nobert
·1 min read
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(FOX40.COM) — The United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) proclaimed their opposition to the Department of State Hospital’s (DSH) proposed plan to place Sexually Violent Predator William Stephenson near their tribal lands.

• Video Above: Hearing On Placement of Convicted Sexual Predator

In a news release issued by the UAIC on Wednesday, the native community said they see Stephenson’s placement near their lands as “an imminent threat to the safety and well-being of the UAIC community.”

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The UAIC is a federally recognized Indian tribe of Miwok and Maidu Indians.

“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 the United Auburn Indian Community. “We call for immediate action and ask authorities to reconsider their decision to place SVP Stephenson near our Indian lands.”

On Monday a check-in was held at the Placer County Superior Court, where the DHS asked for a 30-day extension to provide the court with new updates.

DSH stated that they were in the process of looking at placing Stephenson on a property very close to tribal lands and were planning to contact the tribal community.

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