Hearing on possible release of sex offender Kevin Gray scheduled in Turlock

TURLOCK – Protests are expected outside Stanislaus County Superior Court on Monday over the possible incarceration of a sex offender in Turlock.

Citizens and parents want to protect their community in Turlock. Now the district attorney is stepping in and asking the court to prevent the release of a man who is targeting dozens of children.

Crowds had previously demonstrated against the release of child molester Kevin Gray, who may be living in a house west of Turlock.

Community members aren’t the only ones who are concerned. Turlock’s police chief says Gray’s past is the most troubling. Gray has admitted to sexually molesting up to 50 children and exposing himself to young girls. The California Department of State Hospitals examined him several times over four years and concluded he was likely to reoffend.

“Kevin Gray has demonstrated a clear inability to control his violent tendencies, and there is no evidence that he has changed or ever will,” said Police Chief Jason Hedden.

The state says Gray is eligible for conditional release because he underwent lengthy treatment provided under the conditional release program and was granted freedom by state contractor Liberty Health Care.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday in Stanislaus County Superior Court to decide on Gray’s release.

The action comes as part of a review of the process Liberty Health Care goes through when granting a person a conditional discharge.