The defense against the attempted placement of Sexually
Violent Predator Lawtis Rhoden into Newberry Springs has cost the county's
taxpayers many tens of thousands of dollars for the valiant efforts by our
County's Sheriff's Department, District Attorney, and others.
Great public concern has been justifiably placed on
Lawtis Rhoden by our public officials for the protection of our county's
children.
Lawtis Rhoden is not of the common Megan's Law variety
of sex offenders that we already have released in our community.
This is someone who has repeatedly exhibited a violent sexual history against
children and his proposed placement within our community has generated
substantial public fear.
The fight is countywide to keep such highly dangerous
Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) from other counties out of San Bernardino
County. This matter is a major law enforcement concern.
In the struggle over Lawtis Rhoden, we thank District
Attorney Jason Anderson and his staff as well as the many hundreds of hours
by San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus and his officers and staff,
and the support of Congressman Jay Obernote, State Assemblyman Thurston Smith,
Barstow mayor Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney, and members of the Barstow P.D.
