Humboldt County Superior Court Judge John T. Feeney denied the request to move Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Joshua Cooley to a home on Harvey Road at a hearing on Friday, Jan. 29. Cooleyâs lack of support and ties to the community influenced Feeneyâs decision, as well as the numerous letters in opposition submitted by Galt area community members. Cooleyâs attorney, Meagan OâConnell, filed for a continuance before the start of the hearing, which was also denied.
Galt was the latest of many locations proposed for Cooley up and down the state over the last four years, since the Humboldt court ruled Cooley was eligible for conditional release in 2016.
In an effort to stop sexually violent predator (SVP) Joshua Cooleyâs placement in a home just outside of Galtâs borders, local officials have petitioned Humboldt County Superior Court Judge John T. Feeney with reasons why Galt is not a good fit for the convict.
Feeney is slated to hear testimony from representatives from Liberty Healthcare and California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) this Friday asking that Cooley be allowed to be placed in the Harvey Road home. Sacramento County Deputy DA Brian Morgan will represent the county at the proceedings to try to stop the placement.
Morgan and the DA office solicited comments from community members to use at the hearing.