Today Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) and Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) announced their strong opposition to the California Department of State Hospitals’ (DSH) proposed placement of sexually violent predator Harold Wachter at a residence in Lancaster and urged Antelope Valley residents to make their voices heard before an upcoming court hearing.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Wachter has a history of sexual crimes against children and several Los Angeles County convictions for sexually violent criminal offenses.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge found Wachter suitable for conditional release in April 2023 and DSH to locate housing for him in Los Angeles County. DSH is now recommending that Wachter be placed at 45310 200th Street East in Lancaster.
All four sexually violent predators who have been placed in LA County have gone to the Antelope Valley.
“The Antelope Valley is a community of families, not a dumping ground for state agencies looking for somewhere to place sexually violent predators,” said Senator Valladares. “Our children and neighborhoods deserve the same consideration and protection as every other community in Los Angeles County. DSH needs to explain why it selected Lancaster, what risks were considered and why it believes this placement is appropriate. Until our community receives satisfactory answers, I will stand with Lancaster residents in opposing this placement.”
Assemblymember Lackey added:
“Antelope Valley families should not be an afterthought when state agencies make decisions involving public safety. The Department of State Hospitals owes Lancaster residents clear answers about this proposed placement and why this location was chosen. Our residents’ voices matter.”
Valladares and Lackey have sent a joint letter to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposing the proposed location and asking his office to vigorously represent the concerns of Antelope Valley residents before the court. The legislators are also calling for greater public access to information regarding Wachter’s criminal history and the basis for the proposed placement.
Residents Can Submit Public Comments
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is accepting public comments concerning the proposed Lancaster location until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Residents may submit comments by email to: SVPcomments@da.lacounty.gov
Comments may also be mailed to:
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Attention: Sex Crimes Division – SVP Unit
211 W. Temple St., 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The District Attorney’s Office states that personal identifying information will be redacted before comments are shared with the court, Wachter’s counsel and DSH.
A placement hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 113 of the Hollywood Courthouse. The hearing will consider DSH’s proposed Lancaster address.
“We want Antelope Valley residents to use this opportunity,” Valladares and Lackey said in a joint statement. “If you believe this placement is wrong for our community, tell the District Attorney and tell the court. Decisions affecting the safety of our neighborhoods should never be made without listening to the people who actually live here.”