Man Who Sexually Molested Boys Prevented From Living In Menifee

MENIFEE, CA — A man convicted of sexually molesting boys in Los Angeles and Riverside counties will not be released into Menifee, it was determined during a Friday court hearing.

Earlier this year, the Menifee Police Department advised the community that Lawrence Phillip Moff, 69, was being released from a state hospital and was slated to be placed at an assisted living facility at 26171 Fountain Bleu Drive in Sun City.

Police said Moff is a sexually violent predator. In 1978, he was convicted of sexually molesting two young boys in Los Angeles County. After his prison release, Moff was convicted in 1997 of sexually molesting another young boy in Riverside County. In both cases, Moff befriended the families through church, according to Menifee police.

Upon learning of Moff's impending release into their community, some Sun City residents were outraged. A placement hearing for Moff was held Friday at the Riverside Hall Of Justice. Officials from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office and the Menifee Police Department attended, as did some Sun City residents. After testimony from all concerned was heard, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Matthew Perantoni denied Moff's request to come to Menifee.

"I am extremely pleased that Lawrence Moff will not be released in our community," said Menifee Police Chief Ed Varso. He thanked the D.A.'s office, Menifee police officers, and residents who "worked tirelessly together to stop this bad recommendation from becoming reality."

"Lawrence Moff would have jeopardized the safety of our families and is not welcome here," the chief said.

It's not clear where Moff's next move might be.