The “Bolder Than Most” rapist who terrorized women in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Old Town, and elsewhere was released from custody on Feb. 13 to a home in Borrego Springs.
This marks 37 years since Alvin Ray Quarles, now 62, was first arrested in February 1988, in a case in which a rapist with a knife would sexually assault women in the presence of their roommates, husbands, or boyfriends, which was considered “bolder” by police than most rapes, which occur when a woman is alone.
Quarles was released from a state mental hospital in Coalinga after filing a petition after undergoing psychiatric treatment and a program for 12 years.
Quarles served 25 years in state prison, which is half of his original term of 50 years to life he received in 1989 in San Diego Superior Court.
Most of his 14 victims were opposed to Quarles’ release and several repeatedly testified against his bid for freedom in hearings that started in 2019. The District Attorney’s office was also opposed and they appealed judges’ decisions that granted his release to an appeals court.
Also opposed to his release were former County Board of Supervisor Dianne Jacob and current County Supervisor Joel Anderson. Jacob went to a number of hearings and testified against the release.
Quarles is expected to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and will have a security employee who accompanies him on a 24/7 basis under supervision by Liberty Health Care personnel contracted by the state of California.
The Sheriff’s Department announced Quarles’ release on Feb. 13 and said his temporary address is 1619 Zuni Trail in Borrego Springs. He will be required to register as a sex offender wherever he lives for life.
Quarles pleaded guilty to committing four rapes, two robberies, and six burglaries in the series, with the rest of the charges dropped.
Originally it was anticipated that he would serve most of the 50-year sentence, but the Dept. of Corrections determined he would get parole if he served only half of his sentence. That law has been changed, especially when it comes to sex offenses, as sentences today are much longer.
The notification to the public is part of “Megan’s Law,” which permits law enforcement to warn the community about the release of sex offenders. The notice also advises people not to threaten or harass offenders as people who do so will be prosecuted.
The notice also says the sheriff’s department, the DA’s office, and the Safe Task Force are not responsible for selecting the site where Quarles will live. More info is on the DA’s website and the Department of State Hospital’s website.
PHOTO FROM SAFE TASK FORCE
