STATEMENT BY SUPERVISOR BARGER REGARDING COURT RULING ON SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR LAWTIS RHODEN RESIDING IN THE ANTELOPE VALLEY 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement in response to today’s court ruling that directed Sexually Violent Predator Lawtis Rhoden to reside in the Antelope Valley:

“With this ruling, Judge Wagner has made a decision that blatantly dismissed the concerns voiced by the community. I am frustrated and feel the concerns of my constituents fell on deaf ears. 

It’s no secret — the Antelope Valley is being targeted for placements of Sexually Violent Predators due to its rural nature. The current geography meets the legal requirements. But, children and families are the ones who will bear the true burden of the court’s decisions.

This community deserves to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their neighborhoods. I am still hopeful that this decision will be reversed through the efforts of our county’s District Attorney, who plans to file an appeal of this decision.”