Local residents opposed to the release of convicted child molester Kevin Scott Gray into a home outside Turlock made their feelings known in a new video released this week by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.
The video features comments from neighbors on either side of Gray’s proposed residence, located at 400 N. Central Ave., about three miles west of the city limit.
Neither neighbor gave their name.
“I have three children that (fit) his victim profile,” said one neighbor. “I think a lot of people need to be aware of (sexually violent predators) in general.”
The second neighbor, a mother of four, has two children under 12 years of age.
“I’m scared and uncertain for my kids,” she said in Spanish. “In the summer, we’re always outside … we’d have to live on high alert at all times.”
Gray, 74, has spent more than two decades at the Department of State hospitals. He 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. In 2024, he was set to be released by the DSH, but that was halted by Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Carrie M. Stephens. Eventually, the case made its way to the state Supreme Court, and was eventually reversed.
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 Friday.
Public comments will be given to Stephens on Dec. 26. Liberty Healthcare, which contracts with the state to supervise, treat, and monitor SVPs 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.
“I think our first thing was just great concern for the safety of our kids,” Chatom Unified School District Superintendent Cherise Olvera said in the video. “I’m just kind of appalled they would even consider that as a placement, because what I’ve read in the official documents, alcohol is one of (Gray’s) triggers, and the location is right down the street from a bar. And looking at the information regarding his past victims’ profiles, there are children on both sides of this house that would be living right there.”
Chatom Principal Sara Cruz echoed those sentiments.
“This is an unfortunate situation,” said Cruz. “But what’s fortunate about Chatom is that the safety of our children has always been a priority.”
