Two Possible Homes Found for Soon-to-Be-Freed Rapist

State mental health officials are close to securing a home for convicted rapist Patrick Ghilotti, the first sexual predator recommended for release since a tougher law to treat California’s most violent offenders took effect in 1996.

In a court hearing in Marin County, where Ghilotti raped as many as nine women, officials told Superior Court Judge John S. Graham that after weeks of searching they had at least two possible housing sites.

But Graham has barred lawyers from disclosing the locations until at least Monday, when Ghilotti, 45, has been ordered back in court. Though he would not disclose whether the locations were on public or private land, prosecutor Alan Charmatz said both are in Marin County. “People outside Marin County don’t have to worry about this,” he said.

Officials continue to work out a complex release agreement, which includes global satellite surveillance and random blood tests.

If authorities cannot find housing for Ghilotti, he could be freed from Atascadero State Hospital without the severe restrictions that officials say would neutralize his threat to the community.