From Sandy Louey:
A 61-year-old man classified as a sexually violent predator could be allowed to live in Sacramento County under a proposal by state officials announced Monday.
Steven Darcy Sherwood, who is slated for release from a state hospital, could be placed at a location in the 6500 block of Excelsior Road in Sacramento, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office.
Sacramento Superior Court Judge Joseph Orr is scheduled to consider the proposal, by the state Department of Mental Health, at a 1:30 p.m. January 30 hearing.
The department notified the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, the Sacramento County counsel and the District Attorney's office about the proposal on Monday.
Sherwood was convicted in 1973 of a misdemeanor lewd act on a child. In 1985, he was convicted of two felony counts of lewd and lascivious act on a child and sentenced to 10 years in state prison, according to the DA's office.
In 1993, he was convicted of a felony count of lewd and lascivious act on a child and sentenced to three years in state prison. In 1995, he was sentenced to four years in state prison after being convicted of elder abuse with force likely to cause great bodily injury, the DA's office said.
Since 1999, he has been in a state hospital receiving treatment, authorities said.
The proposed placement for Sherwood is more than a quarter of a mile away from the closest occupied residence. There are no schools, school bus stops, childcare facilities, churches, parks or other areas where children would regularly gather or liquor stores within 2,000 feet and well beyond, the DA's office said.
The DA's office said there are currently five sexually violent predators living in the county, with one of them on outpatient supervision.
The DA's office is accepting public comments about the proposed placement until Jan. 19 by calling (916) 874-4317 or by mail at P.O. Box 749, Sacramento, CA 95812.
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