Child Sex Offender's Bid For Freedom Rejected By OC Jury
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — An Orange County jury has rejected a notorious child molester's bid for release from state custody.
KNX1070's Mike Landa reports 74-year-old Sid Nathaniel Landau will remain at a mental hospital in Coalinga after the jury said he continues to pose a threat to society.
Sex Offender's Bid For Freedom Denied By OC Jury
Jurors deliberated for two-and-a-half days before one was dismissed for bringing a dictionary to court. After an alternate was sworn in, the jury deliberated again for three-and-a-half days before reaching its verdict.
Landau was convicted of molesting ten boys over two decades.
Defense attorney Sara Ross said a doctor who diagnosed Landau as a sexually violent predator believes he is suitable for release.
But prosecutors told the jury not to believe the sexually violent predator is no longer a threat to children.
Deputy District Attorney Dan Wagner said Landau is getting testosterone injections and refused psychological counseling for pedophilia and would continue his crimes if released.
"He doesn't want to admit his problem," Wagner said, adding: "He has aged some, but he could still offend. His health is still pretty good for a 74-year-old."
Landau has been locked up in a mental hospital since 2000.
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