The East County community of Borrego Springs could once again be home to a sexually violent predator.

Gary Snavely was convicted of molesting two young girls between 1982 and 1986. 

After serving his prison time and successfully completing a treatment program for sexually violent predators, the San Diego Superior Court ordered his conditional release in 2022, meaning he would be monitored and continue to receive treatment. 

Last year, the Department of State Hospitals recommended Snavely be placed at a home in Julian.  A judge granted the request, but after backlash from the community, the homeowner decided not to rent the property to the state after all.

Now, a new location is being proposed at 3406 Running M Road in Borrego Springs.

A hearing was held Friday to discuss Snavely’s proposed placement at that site.

County Supervisor Jim Desmond, whose district includes Borrego Springs, said the community is tired of being a “dumping ground for sexually violent predators.”

“This is not the first time the state has come knocking on Borrego’s door,” Desmond said. “It’s not the second.  It’s not even the third.”

The same site on Running M Road previously housed another sexually violent predator. Michael Joseph Martinez has since completed the conditional release program.

Neighbor Doug Munson lives just 400 feet away from the front door of 3406 Running M Road.

At Friday’s hearing, he told Judge Daniel B. Goldstein living next to a sexually violent predator has impacted his financial situation.

“I have a situation where I have to move to Phoenix. We have a granddaughter that needs my wife’s medical experience. We can’t sell our house. That’s our greatest asset. We can’t move unless we sell our house,” he said.

Liberty Healthcare Corporation manages the Conditional Release Program for Sexually Violent Predators. 

The program’s director, Dr. Robert Horon, said many locations were vetted and 3406 Running M Road was the only viable option.

Desmond implored the judge to keep looking.

“Borrego Springs is not a dumping ground. It’s a town. It has families. They have children. It has seniors,” he said. “It deserves the same protection as every other – that every other community in California expects.”

Judge Goldstein said he would consider all of the feedback and come back with a decision in about a month.