Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/11/2008

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Hilary Moores - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

SEX OFFENDER COMMITTED TO STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Sven Fjeld-Erichsen, 43, formerly of Santa Rosa, was found by a Sonoma County jury to be a sexually violent predator pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 6600.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “This individual has repeatedly preyed on children.  We commend the jury on their verdict, which ensures that he will be hospitalized until he no longer poses a risk of future harm.”

Mr. Fjeld-Erichsen was convicted in 1987 of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14, a violation of Penal Code Section 288(a).  He was originally placed on probation, but was ultimately sentenced to six years in state prison after violating the terms of his probation.  While on parole following that prison commitment, Fjeld-Erichsen committed several new offenses against two additional victims.  In 1995, he was convicted of two counts of Penal Code Section 288.2, sending harmful matter to a minor, three counts of Penal Code Section 286, sodomy upon a minor, and one count of Penal Code Section 288a, oral copulation of a minor.  He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The District Attorney petitioned to commit Fjeld-Erichsen based on the evaluation of two different psychologists from the Department of Mental Health diagnosing him with several mental disorders, specifically Pedophilia, Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder, Depressive Disorder and Polysubstance Abuse Disorder.  The jury heard the testimony of these psychologists, as well as a psychologist for the defendant.  The jury found Fjeld-Erichsen posed a substantial risk of re-offense and found him to be a sexually violent predator.

Mr. Fjeld-Erichsen will be sent to a State Hospital for treatment where he will remain until he no longer poses a risk of harm to the community.

Deputy District Attorney Tashawn Sanders represented the People of the State of California on this matter.