Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney abandoned a proposal to house a Sexually Violent Predator in Red Bluff Friday morning.  

“The collective voices of our citizens were heard by Judge Feeney,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama). “As one of the original authors of the Sexually Violent Predator law, I am sensitive to local concerns regarding the residential placement of sex offenders who have been diagnosed and treated for mental disorders that predispose them to sexually assault others.”

Current California law provides that such offenders are, upon release, to be returned to their last county of legal residence except under the most extraordinary circumstances.

Armed with letters from legislators, Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Dave Hencratt, local officials and the people of Tehama County, District Attorney Matt Rogers traveled to Humboldt County Superior Court Friday morning to oppose the proposed placement of convicted child molester and sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley in Red Bluff.

Following DA Rogers’ passionate arguments, Judge Feeney ruled that SVP Cooley will not be placed in Tehama County.

Senator Nielsen added, “I want to convey my appreciation to Judge Feeney for his consideration of the law and the sensitivity to the people of Tehama County.”

Attached is a copy of Senator Jim Nielsen’s letter to Judge Feeney (pdf).