Former Claremont resident and Sexually Violent Predator Christopher Evan Hubbart has been released into society. A press release issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office confirms the 63-year-old has been placed in a residence located in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County adjacent to Palmdale.

According to KTLA, Mr. Hubbart was greeted by several people outside his new home, including a freelance cameraman and a woman who repeatedly shouted that the serial rapist wasn’t wanted in the community.

“You’re not welcome here, Hubbart. We don’t want you here,” a woman in the background screamed. “We won’t stop this fight! We want him out!” the woman continued to shout. “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

Mr. Hubbart registered as a sex offender at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station and was taken to the home by private firm Liberty Health, which is responsible for his supervision, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Dubbed “The Pillowcase Rapist,” Mr. Hubbart was the first person ever ruled as a sexually violent predator under state law, a determination he unsuccessfully appealed. He has been housed at Coalinga State Hospital since 1996, when he was committed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. 

The felon had spent nearly 30 years in and out of prison and state mental hospitals when in May 2013, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Gilbert T. Brown determined that Mr. Hubbart’s ability to pass a psychological exam meant he “would not be a danger to others due to his diagnosed mental disorder while under the supervision and treatment in the community.”

The convicted rapist was first arrested in 1972 in connection with a series of rapes in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. In 1982, Mr. Hubbart returned to confinement, convicted of rape with force, oral copulation with force and five counts of burglary.

Mr. Hubbart was arrested and sentenced to state prison several times but raped again each time he was released on parole.  He has admitted to more than 100 rapes and attempted rapes. He has more than 50 known female victims in Southern California (Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties) and Northern California (San Francisco and Santa Clara counties).  At the time of the attacks, most victims ranged from age 25-35. Mr. Hubbart often stalked his victims, entered their homes when they were alone at night, and raped them after placing a pillowcase over their heads. When his victims resisted, he usually fled. 

Mr. Hubbart’s release from Coalinga State Hospital to the high desert community is conditional upon 24-hour surveillance with a GPS ankle bracelet, to be monitored by Liberty Healthcare. In addition, Mr. Hubbart will be subject to weekly therapy sessions, random drug and polygraph tests as well as a strict curfew, according to the release terms.

Any failure to meet these terms will result in a return to custody.

However, if Mr. Hubbart successfully serves one year on conditional release, he may petition to the court for unconditional release. If such a petition is filed with the court, a hearing is held, evidence is presented, witnesses are called, and a determination is made as to whether the SVP may be unconditionally released without supervision.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com