PRESS RELEASE UPDATE RE SVP MICHAEL CREEK- 02/23/2023- NO HOME FOR SVP IN PARADISE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: UPDATE re: SVP Michael Cheek
Date:
Thursday, February 23, 2023
NO HOME FOR SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SVP IN PARADISE
The Paradise Police Department and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office this week received confirmation from the Department of State Hospitals and its vendor, Liberty Healthcare, that 1550 Gate Lane, Paradise, has been pulled from consideration for placement of the Santa Cruz County SVP Michael Cheek.
Additionally, Butte County District Attorney Ramsey stated his office was in contact with the Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge overseeing Cheek’s case and the judge is vacating the previously scheduled hearing to send Cheek to that Paradise address.
On February 2, 2023, the Department of State Hospitals, through their vendor/placement agent, Liberty Healthcare, officially notified the Paradise Police Department and Butte County District Attorney’s Office that they were attempting to place SVP Michael Cheek, 71, at 1550 Gate Lane in Paradise. Since that date, investigators from both offices and prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office have been working tirelessly to gather information from the community to present to the Santa Cruz Superior Court Judge overseeing this case.
On February 16, 2023, a town hall meeting regarding the possible placement was hosted by the Paradise Police Department and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office at the Paradise Alliance Church. Paradise Police Chief Reinbold noted there was an overwhelming turnout from the community, both in person and online via live streaming. Over 2,000 comments were submitted online, and valuable information was obtained both from the live town hall and the online comments.
Chief Reinbold and DA Ramsey both commended the way the community of Paradise came together in response to the possible placement. While anger and outrage were understandably present, once it became known that verifiable and relevant community information about the area was needed from the residents of Paradise, the majority of responses were insightful, creative, and informative.
Rumors that the owners of 1550 Gate Lane had withdrawn their consent for the placement of SVP Cheek at the Gate Lane address began swirling on social media earlier this week, based on conversations that occurred between Paradise residents and the owner on Facebook messenger.
Ramsey reached out to Liberty Healthcare, and received confirmation on February 22, 2023, that 1550 Gate Lane had been pulled from consideration by the homeowner. Liberty Healthcare confirmed that they were no longer looking to place SVP Cheek at 1550 Gate Lane, and would be continuing their search to place him elsewhere. Today the Department of State Hospitals also confirmed the Gate Lane property was no longer being considered for SVP housing.
LOCATION: Paradise, CA
SUSPECTS: n/a
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Sgt. J. Alvies
APPROVING SUPERVISOR: C.O.P. Reinbold
