Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal has publicly opposed the proposed release of Richard Stobaugh, a convicted serial rapist and sexually violent predator, into the Manila community. Sheriff Honsal expressed his concerns in an open letter following the notification from the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) about the planned placement.
On April 3, 2025, officials including Sheriff Honsal and District Attorney Stacy Eads learned of DSH’s intent to settle Stobaugh at 2171 Peninsula Drive in Manila. This development stems from a court order by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum in December 2023, which allowed Stobaugh’s conditional release from DSH Coalinga back to Humboldt County. The order was met with significant resistance from the District Attorney’s Office.
“Let me be clear: I strongly oppose placing this sexually sadistic predator anywhere in our county,” stated Sheriff Honsal. “His crimes were violent, premeditated, and deeply disturbing. Returning him to a residential neighborhood poses a clear and unacceptable threat to public safety.”
Stobaugh’s record includes multiple violent crimes, such as rapes, home invasions, and assaults committed in Humboldt County between 1981 and 1988, often involving extreme violence and weapons. Medical assessments classified him as a sexual sadist with a high likelihood of committing further offenses.
A public hearing regarding the proposed residence is scheduled for May 7, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. It will take place at Courtroom One of the Humboldt County Superior Court in Eureka, California. Sheriff Honsal urges the community to raise their concerns by sending written opposition to several contacts, including Liberty Healthcare’s SVP CONREP Program, Judge Christopher Wilson of the Humboldt Superior Court, and both the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.
“This is not about politics. It’s about the safety and peace of mind of every resident in Humboldt County,” Honsal asserted. “We must stand united to protect our community.”
For further updates, residents can subscribe to news alerts via the Humboldt Sheriff’s Office website.
