I’ve been reading more and more accounts of GPS monitors failing to detect the movement of criminals ordered to wear GPS ankle bracelets. This case, and others, should be a warning that those GPS devices cannot be a substitute for intensive supervision of sex offenders and other dangerous criminals by probation and parole officers.
SEX OFFENDER WEARING GPS DEVICE ACCUSED OF RAPING TEENAGER IN HESPERIA
By Mike Cruz
The San Bernardino Sun
March 28, 2012
A convicted sex offender from Hesperia denied charges yesterday in Victorville Superior Court that accuse him of kidnapping and forcibly raping a teenaged girl.
Willie James Lewis, 51, entered a not guilty plea to nine felony counts during arraignment proceedings before Judge Lorenzo Balderrama in connection with last week's alleged kidnapping.
Lewis, of Hesperia, returns to court April 5. He is being held on $3.5 million bail at West Valley Detention Center, in Rancho Cucamonga, according to sheriff's jail logs.
Sheriff's officials say deputies were investigating the report of a missing 16-year-old girl at 9:30 a.m. on March 22 in the 16000 block of Odell Avenue, in Victorville, when they learned that the girl may be with Lewis.
A records check by deputies revealed that Lewis was a registered sex offender, who was currently on parole and wearing a GPS tracking device, according to sheriff's officials.
Deputies found the girl with Lewis at a residence in the 9700 block of Cataba Road, in Hesperia. She was transported to a local hospital and later reunited with her family.
Lewis was arrested without incident and transported to Victor Valley Jail. He is listed as a registered sex offender on the California Megan's Law web site.
Authorities allege the girl was drugged with a controlled substance to prevent her from resisting Lewis' actions, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday against Lewis in Superior Court.
Prosecutors charged Lewis with nine felony counts, which include: one count of kidnapping to commit rape, four counts of forcible rape of a child over 14 years old, and four counts of rape by the use of drugs.
Lewis also has prior convictions in San Bernardino County, according to the criminal complaint.
In August 2005, the defendant pleaded guilty to one felony count of committing a lewd or lascivious act with a child, as part of a plea bargain, court records show. He was sentenced to state prison for six years, and five remaining counts were dismissed.
In June 1999, Lewis pleaded guilty to one felony count of robbery, as part of a plea bargain. He was sentenced to state prison for four years, and four remaining counts were dismissed.
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