Sexually Violent Predator Wanted After Removing GPS Monitor In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities are searching for a sexually violent predator who removed his GPS monitoring device and disappeared from a Rancho Bernardo work location, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said.

Merle Wakefield, 69, was reported missing after his GPS device issued a tampering alert around 3:30 a.m. Friday, according to the sheriff's office.

Wakefield is supervised by Liberty Healthcare as part of California's Conditional Release Program. Liberty Healthcare personnel responded to his work location in Rancho Bernardo and found that his GPS device had been removed and Wakefield was gone, officials said.

The company notified the sheriff's office and San Diego Police Department. Wakefield is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release.

Wakefield 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 or contact him and instead call 911 or a local law enforcement agency.