'Dumping ground for predators,' Lancaster residents upset over attempt to move convicted sex predator

A judge is deciding whether a convicted child rapist is allowed to live in Lancaster. Residents in the Antelope Valley are outraged and say their communities have become dumping grounds for sexual predators. 

On Friday a court hearing was held to decide where sexually violent predator Lawtis Rhoden will soon live, and news of him possibly moving to Lancaster has upset many.

"We don’t want him here. We got enough sexual predators, creeps and tweakers and junkies running around here. They put them on the train at Union Station and ship them out here to Lancaster. It’s the new beginning... Lancaster, it’s turning into crap-‘ol USA," said one upset Lancaster resident.

Los Angeles County officials are also fighting the proposed move, saying they don’t want to put any children in harm’s way. 

"Unfortunately, with a second proposed placement of a sexually violent predator in this area within the last few months, it seems like the Antelope Valley is becoming a dumping ground for predators," stated LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. 

Barger says Rhoden is from Orange County and therefore shouldn’t be moved to LA County.

"Given the size and diversity of Orange County I find it hard to believe that a suitable location can’t be found there," Barger exclaimed. 

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"I think it’s awful, there are so many kids out here. It’s not ok," mentioned another Lancaster resident.

There is no word on where exactly Rhoden will be placed. A judge in Orange County has taken the case under submission and plans to have a decision within the next few weeks. 

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