MENIFEE (CNS) – A repeat sex offender and his possible placement in
the city of Menifee will be the subject of a community meeting today, with
public safety officials seeking input from residents and giving them an
opportunity to air their concerns.
Lawrence Phillip Moff, 68, has been under the supervision of
psychiatric specialists at Coalinga State Hospital for more than a decade, but
hospital officials believe that the state-designated “sexually violent
predator” is ready for a return to life outside of incarceration.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Emma Smith has tentatively ruled
in favor of the convicted felon being permitted to be released into the
public. An assisted living facility at 26171 Fountain Bleu, in the Sun City
community, has been selected as his future residence, according to the Menifee
Police Department.
Smith is expected to finalize her ruling during a hearing on July 29
at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
in favor of the convicted felon being permitted to be released into the
public. Valley News/Courtesy photo
The community meeting on the issue will be convened at 10 a.m.
Wednesday in Webb Hall, 26850 Sun City Blvd.
According to court records, Moff was first convicted of a sexual
offense in Los Angeles County in May 1978. The conviction stemmed from a plea
bargain that led to his admission of child molestation, though he was
originally charged with three felony counts, including sodomy.
The case involved two boys, 7 and 8 years old, with whom the felon had
multiple interactions because they all attended the same church, according
to Menifee police.
community, has been selected as Moff’s future residence, according to the Menifee
Police Department. Valley News/Courtesy photo
After serving time for those offenses, Moff relocated to Riverside
County, and in January 1997, he molested a 9-year-old boy, again stemming from
his attending a church. The defendant was sentenced to 11 years in state prison
following a conviction for lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 10 years
old.
After his prison sentence was completed, Moff was transferred to the
mental hospital under provisions in state law that permit individuals
designated sexually violent predators to undergo psychiatric treatment for
indeterminate periods.
Menifee police encouraged those unable to attend the meeting to email
their thoughts and concerns to info@menifeepolice.org. Copyright 2022, City News Service, Inc.
