A sexually violent predator is being housed in Jacumab Hot Springs.

Sixty-seven year old Merle Wakefield was convicted of lewd acts on a child in 1981 and rape by means of force, violence or fear in 1990. After serving time in state prison, Wakefield was committed to a state mental hospital as a sexually violent predator. He has been released to a home in Jacumba Hot Springs while authorities look for a long-term residence.