Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/06/03

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: James Shine

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

Jury Verdict in Sexually Violent Predator Case

The District Attorney announced that yesterday a Sonoma County jury returned a verdict declaring that Mr. Spencer Alan Thompson meets the criteria for a Sexually Violent Predator.

The verdict came after a two week trial that was highlighted by emotional testimony of women who were victimized as children by Thompson, dating back to 1984. Two state appointed psychologists agreed with noted local psychiatrist, Dr. Donald Apostle, that Mr. Thompson is a pedophile who remains a substantial risk of re-offending if released from custody. After brief deliberation, the jury voiced their concurrence. Deputy District Attorney James Shine, who handled the case, stated that Thompson will be transferred to Atascadero State Hospital for the next two years where he will be given the opportunity to participate in a state-of-the-art treatment program for recidivist sex offenders.

Mr. Thompson's case is one of approximately a dozen Sexually Violent Predator cases now making their way through the Sonoma County courts. In each case, local juries will be asked to decide between releasing a repeat offender into the community, or committing the offender to treatment.

"These are complex and difficult cases and I am gratified that the jury carefully and earnestly considered the evidence presented to them. I am pleased that a just result has been reached," stated District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua.