Sexually Violent Predator: Placed in Borrego Springs

In a controversial decision that has left the community of Borrego Springs reeling, a judge ruled on Friday to place sexually violent predator Douglas Badger in the East County desert town. This ruling comes after months of protests and public outcry regarding the possibility of Badger, who has a long criminal history including child molestation, kidnapping, and forcible oral copulation, residing in the area.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond expressed his deep disappointment and vowed to continue fighting against this placement, recognizing the potential danger such individuals pose to our community. As Borrego Springs faces the unsettling reality of hosting a sexual predator, the residents must band together to protect the safety and well-being of their families and the future of their beloved town.

Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Douglas Badger will be placed at 1619 Zuni Trail in Borrego Springs

Resident of Borrego Springs, I was just made aware of a judge’s decision to place Sexually Violent Predator Douglas Badger in Borrego Springs. I’m extremely disappointed in the judge’s decision. There’s no place in Borrego Springs, or anywhere, for these abominable criminals to be placed. I’m going to look at every option to continue to fight this placement, and to ensure these placements are stopped. This is devastating for the families of Borrego Springs and especially the home-schooled family with two deaf children that live right across the street.

Sexually Violent Predators are the worst of the worst. To be classified by the state as a sexually violent predator a person must have been convicted of a violent sex crime against at least one victim and be diagnosed with a condition that makes that person likely to re-offend. Douglas Badger has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and sexual sadism.

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
http://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/

Born on October 24, 1942, Douglas Badger has been found guilty of numerous offenses, including child molestation, kidnapping, and forced oral copulation. His criminal activities transpired in various Californian counties, such as Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and most recently, San Diego. Badger, known for assaulting young male hitchhikers at gunpoint, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in addition to sexual sadism. He holds convictions from 1981 in Riverside County and 1991 in San Diego County.

During his time in a maximum-security hospital, Badger engaged in an extensive sex offender treatment program. The primary objective of this program was to instruct offenders in recognizing and combating the impulses that predispose them to committing sex crimes.

A court hearing revealed a homeschool operating within the quarter-mile exclusion zone for sexually violent predators. Public Defender Alexandra Knudson, representing SVP Badger, argued that children are not his primary victim profile and cited convictions involving adults and other crimes.

As a concerned resident of Borrego Springs, I am deeply troubled by the recent decision to place a sexually violent predator, Douglas Badger, in our quiet and peaceful desert community. This decision has sparked fear and concern among many local families, and I believe it is crucial to bring attention to the unique reasons why this placement is especially problematic for our town.

First and foremost, Borrego Springs relies heavily on tourism as a primary source of income. Our community thrives on visitors, snowbirds, and the attraction of new families who seek a safe and serene environment to raise their children. The presence of a violent sexual predator in our midst threatens the very essence of what makes our town appealing and jeopardizes the future growth and development of our community.

Secondly, the emergency response in Borrego Springs is not as reliable as in more populated areas. With limited law enforcement personnel and medical facilities, it can take longer for help to arrive in case of an emergency. The lack of quick medical and social worker care in our community makes it even more challenging to manage and monitor sexual predators, further exacerbating the risks to our children.

Moreover, Borrego Springs is a small and close-knit community, with a significant number of homeschooled children. These children may be more exposed to danger, as they spend more time in the vicinity of their homes. It is particularly disheartening to learn that a family with two deaf children lives directly across the street from the predator’s placement. Communication barriers can make it even more challenging for these children to seek help if they are in danger.

Lastly, the emotional and psychological impact on the residents of Borrego Springs cannot be understated. Families who have chosen to live in this community for its tranquility and safety now face increased anxiety and fear for the wellbeing of their children.

In conclusion, the placement of a sexually violent predator in Borrego Springs poses a significant threat to our community’s tourism, growth, and safety. We cannot ignore the unique challenges and risks that this decision presents.

To address this situation, it is essential to learn from other small communities that have faced similar challenges. Some communities have successfully pushed for more rigorous monitoring and management of sexual predators, including increased law enforcement patrols along with electronic monitoring, and community involvement in monitoring programs. Additionally, local advocacy groups can work to raise awareness and provide resources to educate and empower residents in preventing and responding to potential threats.

I urge our local leaders to explore every possible option to reverse this placement, ensure that our community remains a safe haven for families and children, and preserve the essence of what makes Borrego Springs a desirable place to live and visit.