Chicago faces a troubling issue with hundreds of alleged criminals missing from its electronic ankle monitor program. Currently, 246 participants in Cook County’s pre-trial program are unaccounted for. This includes individuals charged with murder, sexual assault, and aggravated battery. Former police chief Tom Weitzel has pointed out critical security flaws in the system.
Meanwhile, in San Diego, a separate case involving a convicted child sex offender has emerged. Merle Wakefield, 69, vanished after a tamper alert from his GPS monitor at a worksite. Liberty Healthcare, responsible for monitoring, found his device removed upon arrival. Wakefield remains missing, prompting concern from the community and active efforts by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to locate him.
County Supervisor Jim Desmond expressed frustration, citing the lack of information from the state regarding Wakefield’s disappearance. Wakefield, convicted of lewd acts with a child and rape by force in the past, had been on conditional release since November 2024. Concerns are high because Wakefield removed his GPS monitor undetected.
Local authorities had previously raised issues about Wakefield’s release under a transient order rather than being placed in a fixed residence. Proposed locations for his residence faced public opposition, including one in Poway. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus argued that having Wakefield without a fixed address jeopardizes community safety.
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the need for close monitoring. They insisted on finding a suitable residence for those under conditional release for enhanced supervision.
State Senator Brian Jones had previously questioned the management of sexually violent predators and called for an audit of the related program. About 36% of program participants violated their release terms, raising questions about effectiveness and financial cost.
In response to criticism, the California Department of State Hospitals defended the release process, asserting that court decisions determine a person’s release. They highlighted that their program includes strict GPS monitoring and home visits. However, despite such measures, Wakefield managed to disappear.
Authorities warn the public not to approach Wakefield and to contact law enforcement if he is seen. Efforts to find him continue, highlighting ongoing challenges in monitoring systems and community safety.