People v. Putney
Annotate this CaseIn 1990, Putney sexually molested his two- and four-year-old cousins, with whom he lived, and a nine-year-old neighbor. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In 2002, before Putney was due to be released on parole, the state sought his commitment as a sexually violent predator (SVP). He admitted to the allegations and was committed to Atascadero State Hospital for two years. After that term, the state did not seek to recommit Putney, He was released on parole and moved several times due to public outcry, became suicidal, and sought help from his parole officer. Putney returned to prison in 2005 after no other facility would accept him. His parole was revoked “based upon [the] psychiatric return.” Before Putney was due to be released, the state filed another petition. He was committed for another two-year term. Another petition was filed; a trial was set for 2008, but was continued many times and did not begin until 2014. One delay was because Putney was convicted of possessing a weapon while in prison. He was sentenced to 25 years to life. The court of appeal reversed his subsequent recommitment. The trial court lacked authority to recommit Putney as an SVP once his sentence for the intervening criminal conviction became final.
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