After today's hearing on sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley's hearing, I let Supervisor Mike Wilson know what transpired. He is going to follow up with DA Maggie Fleming. I also let Nicole Riggs know and she immediately took action.
Letter from Nicole Riggs sent to these organizations and individuals :
Hello,
I'm writing to you because your organization provides resources for individuals and families in transitional housing.
My name is Nicole Riggs and I was present at a hearing on August 23 about the potential placement of Joshua Coley into the Freshwater area where I live. Mr. Coley is designated as a Violent Sexual Predator and I understand was found guilty of 4 counts of rape against a 12-year old amongst other offenses. He has violated parole 5 times and suffers from traumatic brain injury making recividism a high risk. He has repeatedly refused alcohol treatment and sex counseling.
On August 23, Judge Feeney ruled that the proposed housing in Freshwater was not appropriate as it lacked reliable GPS tracking and was in a dark rural street prone to flooding (making law enforcement and services unavailable for up to several days) with many kids around and no alcohol treatment facility.
Today Judge Feeney considered the release of Mr. Coley into transient housing. Mr Coley's defense asked for a gag order. If this is granted, Mr. Coley could be relased into transient housing in Eureka with no one knowing of his condition and the risk he poses.
I'm a concerned community member hoping for a long term sustainable solution. A placement in a well-lit area WITH ALCOHOL TREATMENT FACILITY and constant supervision appears to be the choice that offers Mr Coley and the community the best chance of success.
A release into a Eureka motel where vulnerable people in transitional housing live with limited resources seems like an extremely dangerous choice.
As an organization whose mission includes providing housing resources for those in need, you may want to follow this closely and speak for those for whom you advocate.
Next court hearing is on November 8 at 8:30. This is a confidential case, there are no court records available to the public.
Best,
Nicole Riggs
CC: Mike Wilson, Kyla Baxley, Michael Friedley, Humboldt County Sheriff
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