ONLY ON ABC7NEWS.COM: Judge to rule whether sexual predator can remain at Walnut Creek home

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ByLaura Anthony KGO logo
Friday, May 29, 2015
EXCLUSIVE: Sexual predator angers residents after moving into Walnut Creek
In a story you'll only hear about on ABC7 News.com, residents told a judge Friday why they're angry about not being notified before a sexually violent predator moved into the neighborhood.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- In a story you'll only read about on ABC7 News.com, residents told a judge Friday why they're angry about not being notified before a sexually violent predator moved into the neighborhood.

Residents want Charles Christman, 71, out of Walnut Creek. They finally had a chance to voice their opinion to a judge over the placement of a sexually violent predator in their neighborhood.

Christman has lived in Walnut Creek since January. His attorney says at his age and stage in life he's no threat, but residents still want him out.

For the first time, ABC7 News heard from Liberty Healthcare about why they think a Walnut Creek neighborhood is the right place for Christman. "We do all our checks, we drive around, check the areas and make sure we don't see any children or things that are not easily identifiable, like schools and parks and other things of that nature," Liberty Healthcare spokesperson Craig Solis said.

Jessica's Law specifies Christman can't be within 2,000 feet of a school, park or place where children congregate, but says nothing about how many kids might live close by. This is something that upsets residents like Kelly Dossa. "There are five boys on the boundary property lines next to him," she said.

The residents and the district attorney want Christman moved, but his attorney told says there's no need. "He's on 24/7 supervision with that GPS. People are paying attention if he's going anywhere, but he's not by himself and I really think that these children are safe and I hope that they can go on and live their lives," Pam Herzig said.

"I don't envy Liberty for the job they have to do, but just because it's the only place they found doesn't mean it's the right place," Assistant District Attorney Andrea Tavenier said.

The judge is expected to rule on whether Christman can stay in the house in the next two weeks.