Up to a $1,000 Reward Offered

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office SAFE Task Force are asking for the public’s help in locating sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield who is wanted for failing to register as a sex offender.

On September 25th, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield's (DOB: 04/12/1957) GPS device alerted to "Tamper Mode" while working in the Rancho Bernardo Neighborhood, in the City of San Diego. Wakefield is supervised by Liberty Health Care (LHC) as part of the State's Conditional Release Program. LHC responded to the scene and discovered that Wakefield's GPS device had been removed, and Wakefield was no longer at the location. LHC notified the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and the San Diego Police Department. On October 2nd, 2026, a felony-warrant has been issued, and Wakefield is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender. Additionally, Wakefield is currently wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release. He was convicted in 1980 and 1991 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old and rape by force. Wakefield has been on conditional release since November 2024.

If you see Wakefield, DO NOT APPROACH OR CONTACT HIM. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 9-1-1.

WANTED: Merle Wakefield (DOB: 04/12/1957) 69-years-old 5’10” tall, 230 lbs., bald, brown eyes

Anyone with information on the location of Wakefield is asked to call the San Diego Sheriff’s Office SAFE Task Force at (858) 868-3200 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.

• Media inquiries about this case should be directed to Lieutenant Aloha B. Peters at (858) 868-3200 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Deputy Emilio Castillero at (619) 531-1547 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..