A home in Lancaster is at the center of a brewing debate when it comes to sexually violent predator placement in the Antelope Valley, as a 63-year-old convicted child sex offender is set for possible release in the community, to reside in the home.
Neighbors, county and state leaders gathered in front of the Hi Vista house on Wednesday, hoping to stop Harold Wachter from living there.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said if Wachter were to move in, he would be the fourth sexually violent predator proposed for release in the rural Antelope Valley in the past five years.
“None of these individuals have any ties to this community…” Barger said. “One originated from Orange County, another committed most of his recent crimes in Santa Clara County, and they are repeatedly placed in our rural neighborhoods.”
U.S. Congressman George Whitesides spoke at Wednesday’s news conference and said he is proposing legislation tomorrow to address the disproportionate placement of sexually violent predators into certain communities.
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