Authorities Search for Missing Convicted Sex Offender After GPS Alert

<p>Authorities are searching for Merle Wakefield, a 69-year-old convicted child sex offender, who has been missing since a GPS monitor alert indicated tampering at a worksite in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, on September 25, 2026. The alert was triggered at approximately 3:30 a.m., and upon arrival, supervisors found Wakefield had removed the device and left the premises, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.</p><p>Liberty Healthcare, the state contractor responsible for supervising Wakefield, notified law enforcement after discovering he was missing. The sheriff’s office expressed concern over Wakefield’s disappearance and is actively seeking information from the public regarding his whereabouts.</p><p>Wakefield is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release, having been convicted in 1980 and 1991 of lewd acts with a child under 14 and rape by force. He has been on conditional release since November 2024.</p><p>San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond commented on social media, stating that Wakefield’s disappearance raises significant concerns and criticized the state for its handling of his release. He emphasized that Wakefield was missing less than two years after being placed in the community under supervision.</p><p>Local officials had previously expressed concerns about Wakefield’s release, particularly regarding his transient status. A judge had granted him a transient release instead of placing him in a designated home, despite opposition from local authorities who argued that this arrangement would hinder monitoring efforts.</p><p>The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office had also opposed Wakefield’s release without a fixed residence, citing the need for adequate supervision. State Senator Brian Jones raised concerns that Wakefield could end up living on the streets or in temporary accommodations.</p><p>Wakefield is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 230 pounds, with brown eyes. Authorities have advised the public not to approach him but to contact law enforcement if he is spotted.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Senator Jones' office and the San Diego County Sheriff's Office for further comments.</p>