BORREGO SPRINGS, CA — Sheriff's deputies went door to door in Borrego Springs Wednesday to notify residents that a convicted sex offender will soon be released into their neighborhood.
John Carey Phillips, 70, who is classified as a sexually violent predator, is expected to be released by Nov. 4, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Phillips has felony convictions for lewd and lascivious acts on a child and sexual battery stemming from crimes in 1992 and 2002, authorities said.
He served several years in state prison before being committed to a state mental hospital for sex offenders. A court has ordered his release under the state's Conditional Release Program.
Phillips is expected to live at 1619 Zuni Trail in Borrego Springs. He is required to register as a sex offender for life.
The Sheriff's Office said the notification is intended to inform residents, not cause fear. Authorities warned that threatening or harassing Phillips could result in prosecution.
Officials emphasized that the California Department of State Hospitals and San Diego Superior Court, not the Sheriff's Office, are responsible for selecting his placement location.
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