Sex Offender to be Freed

A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge has ruled that a man convicted of molesting nine young boys is ready to be released.

Brian DeVries has spent more than five years in treatment at Atascadero State Hospital. He´s classified as a sexually violent predator, one of the state´s worst sex offenders. Judge Robert Baines says DeVries is now ready for outpatient treatment and close supervision in the community.

The Department of Mental Health has three weeks to find a treatment provider and a place for him to live. Officials say they´ve had trouble finding an agency that will provide care. But DeVries´ lawyer thinks they´re dragging their feet.

DeVries and a Contra Costa County man are poised to become the first sex predators to successfully complete treatment and get released.