Eureka Police Chief vehemently opposed to Cooley's release and him being allowed to "motel surf"

(Chief Watson)

Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson responded to my inquiry regarding Judge John Feeney's decision to order transient release for convicted sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley. This is an initial statement by Chief Watson.

"We won’t take this outrageous plan lying down and will do everything in our power to oppose and stop it if possible. "

"It feels like someone is trying to take the easy way out and use Eureka as a dumping ground again for somebody else’s trash.  This is unacceptable and people need to be outraged and motivated to speak out. "

"Cooley should never be free and as a sexually violent predator, he poses an extreme risk of reoffending again based on the information I’ve received.  And he sure as heck shouldn’t be free to motel surf in Eureka. "



"So, I am vehemently opposed to not only his release, but his proposed release in Eureka and all Eurekans should be too."

"So, we will pack the room and stand in solidarity against this ridiculous, dangerous plan. I would suggest anyone who is against this also start writing letters to the judge (whom I understand may feel that he is in a tough spot with few options).  Concerned citizens and leaders should stand up and speak out against this, but I would ask they do so constructively and respectfully.  I stand with them. "

Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/04/sohum-carries-lot-of-burdens-and-this.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/04/judge-feeney-denies-sohum-placement-for.html?m=1
(contains links to all previous coverage)

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/04/joshua-cooley-hearing-has-been-moved-to.html?m=1