Notification of Pending Release of Sexually Violent Predator to Santa Barbara County

November 12th, 2007 - Santa Barbara County

Pursuant to Penal Code Section 290.45 and Megan’s Law, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is notifying the public of the pending release of a Sexually Violent Predator to Santa Barbara County. 45 Year old Kenneth Rasmuson (12-16-61) was ordered conditionally released from the Atascadero State Mental Hospital by a state Appellate court. Pursuant to state statute, he is being released to his last legal county of residence, Santa Barbara County.

In 1981, Kenneth Rasmuson was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11 year old boy. He was sentenced to State Prison and upon completion of his prison sentence, committed to Atascadero State Hospital. He was conditionally released from Atascadero State Hospital in 1985. In 1987, Rasmuson re-offended and was convicted for kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts on a 3 year old child. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison. He was granted parole in 1996 and transferred to Atascadero State Hospital under the Sexually Violent Predator Act.

Kenneth Rasmuson will be under the direct supervision of the State Department of Mental Health through a contractor, Liberty Healthcare. Officials from the State Department of Mental Health and Liberty Health Care have not yet disclosed the location or community in which he will be released. The State Department of Mental Health and Liberty Health Care have cooperated with the Sheriff’s Department regarding public safety concerns. As soon as the specific community and location of Rasmuson’s release is known, the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department or appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified and will make that information available to the public. Rasmuson will register as a Sex Offender with the

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department per Penal Code section 290. Liberty Healthcare will directly supervise Rasmuson 24 hours per day for as long as they deem necessary. He will also be monitored on a constant basis via an electronic GPS bracelet monitored by Liberty Healthcare.

The purpose of this notice is to allow the public to protect themselves and their children from sex offenders and sexual predators. It is unlawful for members of the public to use this information to commit a crime against a registered sex offender or illegally discriminate or harass a registered sex offender.

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