Placer County Judge Denies Placement of Sexually Violent Predator Near Private School

William Stephenson's relocation to Alta was rejected due to proximity to Little Bear Creative Academy.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Placer County judge has denied the placement of William Stephenson, a sexually violent predator, in the town of Alta, California due to the nearby presence of a private school called Little Bear Creative Academy. The court reviewed Stephenson's history, which included incidents of indecent exposure to minors, and determined that the Alta site was not safe or appropriate given its proximity to the school.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the challenges of finding suitable housing placements for sexually violent predators who have served their prison sentences, as communities often resist having them located near schools, daycares, and other places where children congregate. The ruling also underscores the importance of the legal system carefully weighing public safety concerns when making such placement decisions.

The details

According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office, testimony during the hearing established that Little Bear Creative Academy is a private school that was legally certified on January 16, 2026. The proposed placement for Stephenson in Alta would have put him within a quarter mile of the school. The court reviewed Stephenson's records, which officials said included incidents of indecent exposure to minors, and determined that the Alta site wasn't safe or appropriate.

  • Stephenson was first arrested in 1985 for indecent exposure, then again in 1991 for sexual violence.
  • After his release from custody in 2014, Stephenson was accused of violating the terms of his conditional release.
  • Stephenson was granted a conditional transient release into Placer County in July 2023, but officials have been looking for a place to house him since then.
  • The next status hearing for Stephenson is scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

William Stephenson

A sexually violent predator who was granted a conditional transient release into Placer County in 2023 but has been unable to find a suitable housing placement.

Placer County District Attorney's Office

The office that provided testimony and information to the court during the hearing regarding Stephenson's placement.

Little Bear Creative Academy

A private school in Alta, California that was legally certified on January 16, 2026 and was determined to be too close to the proposed placement for Stephenson.

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What they’re saying

“In issuing its ruling, the Court emphasized that its role is to interpret and apply the law as written. The Court found that the presence of a legitimate private school within close proximity to the proposed address raised substantial legal and safety concerns, particularly given Mr. Stephenson's prior offenses involving minors.”

— Placer County District Attorney's Office (abc10.com)

What’s next

The next status hearing for Stephenson is scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 11 a.m., where the court will confirm whether any appeals were filed and will receive an updated housing search report from the California Department of State Hospitals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing public safety concerns with the rights of sexually violent predators who have served their sentences. The court's decision to deny Stephenson's placement near a private school underscores the need for careful consideration of such placements, particularly when the offender has a history of crimes involving minors.