Local law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help in preventing a convicted child molester from being released into a home just outside of Turlock.
Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse, Stanislas County District Attorney Jeff Laugero, and Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden released a 90-second video on Tuesday that asks the public to make known their concerns regarding the release of Kevin Scott Gray, a convicted sexually violent predator whose crimes date back more than 50 years.
“We’ve been fighting against the placement for over a year,” Laugero said in the video. “We won in local court, but the state overturned that decision. Now, the judge is asking for your voice, and we need you to speak up.”
In 2024, Gray was set to be released by the Department of State Hospitals into a home located at 400 N. Central Ave., about three miles west of the Turlock city limit.
“This proposed location puts dozens of young children at serious risk,” Dirkse said. “There’s a school bus stop directly in front of a neighbor’s home. Kids would walk right past this predator’s house every single day. As law enforcement, we’re doing everything legally possible to stop this, but the court needs to hear from the community.”
Gray, 74, has admitted to molesting dozens of children and exposing himself to at least 1,000, according to court documents. His crimes date back to 1974.
“Our community has already shown incredible strength …” Hedden said. “But we’re not done yet. This is the moment where your comment can make the difference between protecting our kids and exposing them to a known predator.”
The public is encouraged to visit StanSVP.com to see more details about the case — a timeline, court documents, frequently asked questions — and to log their concerns. Comments can also be submitted via email at svp@stansherrif.com or by calling 209-800-6506.
The deadline is Dec. 19
Public comments will be given to the Stanislaus County Superior Court Carrie M. Stephens on Dec. 26. Liberty Healthcare, which contracts with the state to supervise, treat, and monitor sexually violent predators who are set to be conditionally released, must respond to comments by Jan. 14. A hearing before Stephens will be held Jan. 16, when she’s expected to render a final placement decision.
“My life was turned upside down when it was brought to my attention that two sexually violent predators would be moving within a few hundred feet away from my home,” said Erica Farmer, who lives next door to the proposed site. “As a mother and caregiver to children who fall within these predators’ victim types, the news has been gut-wrenching, to say the least.”
In addition to Gray, the state was also set to release Timothy Roger Weathers, 63, into an add-on dwelling at 400 N. Central Ave. However, that residence was disqualified because of improper permitting.
Weathers, a former Ceres resident, was sentenced in 1991 to 18 years in prison for molesting two different boys in Stanislaus County. He was transferred to the state hospital in 2000, and has admitted to doctors that he molested 20 to 45 boys, according to court documents. His release status remains unclear.
In the first few hours after the website and phone number became active, they received a spate of activity.
“We noticed that the comment line has already been very active,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Wendell Emerson on Tuesday afternoon. “And we thank the public for that.”
