GPS Device, Cellphone Found As Search Continues For Sexually Violent Predator

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities released new details Wednesday as the search continued for a sexually violent predator who disappeared from his San Diego workplace last week.

Merle Wakefield, 69, has been missing since early Friday, when his GPS monitoring device issued a tampering alert while he was working in the 16000 block of Via Esprillo in Rancho Bernardo, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Liberty Healthcare, which supervises Wakefield as part of California's Conditional Release Program, responded to the workplace and found his GPS device and cellphone, but Wakefield was gone, authorities said.

The company notified the sheriff's office and San Diego Police Department. Law enforcement agencies throughout the region were also alerted.

The sheriff's office on Wednesday also addressed reports that Wakefield may be driving a white 2018 Toyota Camry, saying investigators have no credible reason to believe he is currently driving a vehicle matching that description.

• Also see: Sexually Violent Predator Wanted After Removing GPS Monitor In San Diego

The sheriff's office and the San Diego Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force have been working with other law enforcement agencies to find Wakefield.

Wakefield is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release. He was convicted in 1980 and 1991 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and rape by force, according to the sheriff's office. He has been on conditional release since November 2024.

Wakefield is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs about 230 pounds and has brown eyes.

Authorities warned anyone who sees Wakefield not to approach him and to call 911 or a local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips can be submitted to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.