Sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley could be out on transient release, defense requests gag order regarding location

On August 23 Retired Judge John Feeney denied the placement of sexually violent Joshua Cooley in the Freshwater area.

This morning there was a hearing was a hearing in Courtroom 3 that just concluded. No other media was in court, no community members were present, only Cooley's family.

Timothy Fletcher of Liberty Healthcare spoke in court. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer was present for the People and Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell for Cooley.t

Since the last court hearing 61 properties were researched, all declined.  Judge John Feeney denied Deputy DA Carolyn Schafer's request to re-refer Cooley for evaluation. Over 2,000 plus properties, including properties in other counties have been researched.

One of the challenges in placing Cooley is GPS does not work "in the mountains."

Judge Feeney asked Ms. O' Connell to prepare a proposed protective order.

If the Court orders Cooley released,he will be out anytime between 1 to 60 days of that order. If the gag order is granted,only law enforcement will know when and where. The transient release would  eiter be to one of two motels or "should that fall through" a RV, Ms. O'Connell told Judge Feeney today.

"Our only option would be to file a writ of habeas corpus," said Ms. O'Connell saying it was two years since Judge Feeney approved said placement.

Judge Feeney said the delay was due to public concern.

Ms. O'Connell was insistent that Cooley be released into Humboldt,his home county. She said Cooley's family is local and they are his support network.

I heard Mr. Fletcher tell Ms. O'Connell thar supervision basically means "he has to follow rules."

Next court hearing is on November 8 at 8:30. This is a confidential case,there are no court records available to the public.

Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/08/judge-feeney-denies-placement-of-joshua.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/08/this-is-not-about-freshwater-or-eureka.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/08/so-many-people-showed-up-to-speak-at.html?m=1
(has  links to all past coverage on this case)

Related posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/08/single-source-of-facts-community-input.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/08/freshwater-residents-brought-margaret.html?m=1