Opposition of Violent Sexual Predator Placement in Humboldt County

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal has issued a public open letter voicing strong opposition to the proposed release of convicted serial rapist and sexually violent predator Richard Stobaugh into the community of Manila.

On April 3, 2025, the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) notified Sheriff Honsal and the Humboldt County District Attorney, Stacy Eads, of its intent to place Stobaugh at 2171 Peninsula Drive in Manila. This follows a December 2023 court order by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum granting Stobaugh conditional release from DSH Coalinga back into Humboldt County, despite strong objections from the District Attorney's Office.

"Let me be clear: I strongly oppose placing this sexually sadistic predator anywhere in our county," said Sheriff Honsal. "His crimes were violent, premeditated, and deeply disturbing. Returning him to a residential neighborhood poses a clear and unacceptable threat to public safety".

Stobaugh's criminal history includes multiple brutal rapes, home invasions, and assaults in Humboldt County between 1981 and 1988, often involving weapons and extreme violence. Medical experts have diagnosed him as a sexual sadist with a high risk of reoffending.

A public hearing on the proposed residence will be held:

• Date: May 7, 2025
• Time: 10:15 a.m.
• Location: Courtroom One, Humboldt County Superior Court, 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA

Sheriff Honsal urges all Humboldt County residents to voice their concerns by submitting written opposition to the contacts listed below:

Liberty Healthcare SVP CONREP Program: LIBERTYSVPCONREP@LibertyHealth.com Judge Christopher Wilson, Humboldt Superior Court: jessicam@humboldtcourt.ca.gov Humboldt County Sheriff's Office: HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us Humboldt County District Attorney's Office: districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us

"This is not about politics. It's about the safety and peace of mind of every resident in Humboldt County," Honsal emphasized. "We must stand united to protect our community."

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Richard Stobaugh | DSH Coalinga