Proposed Placement of Sexually Violent Predator in Alta
January 13, 2026 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they are continuing to monitor efforts to release convicted 
Sexually Violent Predator William Stephenson into Placer County and is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety is prioritized. For the past four years, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office opposed the release of Sexually Violent Predator, William Stephenson from the Department of State Hospitals. Despite that opposition, the Court has repeatedly ordered Mr. Stephenson’s conditional release into the community.
A court hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2026, to review a proposed address for Stephenson’s conditional release at 33935 Alta Oaks Road, Alta, CA. At this hearing, the Court will determine whether the location is suitable, as recommended by the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH).
Stephenson’s criminal history spans multiple decades and counties, read more here: www.placer.ca.gov/.../Timeline---S-CV-0037867. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has had serious concerns about the safety of our community upon Stephenson’s release.
“As Sheriff, my responsibility is, and will always be, to protect the people of Placer County,” said Sheriff Wayne Woo. “We continue to monitor this case closely and will work with the District Attorney’s Office to provide information and guidance as the Court reviews the proposed placement.”
The Sheriff’s Office stands alongside the DA in supporting public safety and community oversight during this process.
To ensure community participation and involvement:
The District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Supervisor Gustafson will hold a townhall meeting in the Colfax area in the coming week – date and time to be announced
Online information portal and comment submission is now open at the District Attorney’s Office’s SVP portal- placer.ca.gov/SVP
Public comments must be submitted no later than January 28, 2026
Address-specific letters and concerns provide the most meaningful guidance to the Court when considering placement decisions. Learn more at: www.placer.ca.gov/.../Letter-guideline---SVP-S-CV.
Source: Placer County Sheriff’s Office
