Neighbors Halt Plan to House Level 3 Sex Offenders in Kennewick

Operator withdraws from controversial less restrictive alternative facility near schools and youth centers

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:43am

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The operator slated to oversee a proposed less restrictive alternative (LRA) facility to house up to five Level 3 sexually violent predators in Kennewick, Washington has withdrawn from the project, marking a major victory for local residents who rallied against the plan. The property owners may seek a new operator, but local lawmakers and the community have vowed to continue fighting the placement of high-risk sex offenders near schools and youth facilities.

Why it matters

The proposed LRA facility in Kennewick sparked intense backlash from the community due to its proximity to multiple schools and youth-centered facilities serving over 7,400 students. Critics argued the state's process allowed the property to be purchased before the community or local lawmakers were notified, raising concerns about transparency and public safety.

The details

Joe Field, who has operated housing for registered sex offenders in Walla Walla since 2017, informed city officials he would no longer be involved with the proposed LRA facility near 8th Avenue and Edison Street. The property had been under review as a potential site to house up to five Level 3 sexually violent predators, the state's highest risk classification of sex offenders. Local governments in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland passed resolutions or moratoriums opposing the proposed placement.

  • On March 4, 2026, Joe Field notified the City of Kennewick that he would no longer be associated with the LRA house or LRAs in Kennewick.
  • In recent years, some individuals held at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island have been released into supervised community housing through LRAs, a process that has sparked controversy in communities across Washington.

The players

Joe Field

An operator who has provided housing for registered sex offenders in Walla Walla since 2017, but has now withdrawn from the proposed LRA facility in Kennewick.

Lydenne Vieira and Isabel Valle

The property owners who appear committed to continuing the LRA project in Kennewick and may seek another operator.

Erin Erdman

The Kennewick City Manager who confirmed that Field notified the city of his decision to withdraw from the project.

Nikki Torres

A Republican state senator from Pasco who credited the Kennewick community for helping derail the project and raised concerns about placing Level 3 sex offenders near children.

Matt Boehnke

A Republican state senator from Kennewick who, along with other local lawmakers, pressed state officials to intervene and pause consideration of the placement.

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What they’re saying

“We're very glad this house is no longer going to be an LRA placement for sex offenders.”

— Nikki Torres, State Senator

“These are Level 3 sex offenders. They should not be placed in communities such as Kennewick.”

— Nikki Torres, State Senator

What’s next

Kennewick officials say they will continue working to prevent the facility from opening while maintaining communication with the property owners. Whether the project moves forward could depend on whether another operator steps in to replace Field.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community involvement and transparency in the placement of high-risk sex offenders, as well as the need for stronger state-level policies and oversight to address concerns about public safety and the wellbeing of vulnerable populations, especially children.