Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 06/01/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards — 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: Brian Staebell

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DEFENDANT FOUND TO BE A "SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR"

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that a jury returned a verdict, finding Michael Alston to be a "sexually violent predator." During the course of the trial the prosecution called two state-licensed psychologists to testify that Alston met the statutory definition of a "sexually violent predator." The doctors testified that he had a present mental disorder, and that if released he was "likely" to commit a sexually violent offense. Two women who were sexually assaulted by Alston in the 1980's were also called as witnesses for the prosecution.

The "Sexually Violent Predator Act" was passed into law in California in 1996. The law enables the California Department of Corrections to refer certain qualifying sex offenders to be examined for possible commitment at Atascadero State Hospital when they have completed their prison terms. The commitment is for a two year period and can be renewed if the patient continues to meet the qualifications. The California Department of Mental Health is responsible for examining potential sexually violent predators and requesting that petitions be filed. The District Attorney for the county where an offender is convicted is responsible for filing the petition for commitment and prosecuting the matter.

Alston is currently being housed in the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. He will be returned to Atascadero State Hospital. Deputy District Attorney Brian Staebell was the assigned prosecutor on this case.