The serial attacker known as “Bolder than Most” has been released from prison, entering an outpatient program, much to the dismay of his surviving victims.
Harsh Realities Surrounding Quarles’ Release
Alvin Quarles, at the age of 62, was sentenced to 50 years for the brutal crimes he committed, pleading guilty in 1989 to four counts of forcible rape. Many authorities contend that he inflicted harm on over a dozen women during his years of committing these heinous acts. This harrowing history raises significant concerns among the victims and their families, forcing them to confront the uncomfortable reality of his return to society.
After spending half of his sentence in state prison, Quarles transitioned to Coalinga State Hospital, where he spent a decade involved in a sex offender treatment program. His release, despite its conditional nature, has sparked outrage and disbelief among those he traumatized.
Concerns for Community Safety
Recently, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office disclosed that Quarles would be granted a conditional release under a program designed for sexually violent predators diagnosed as likely to reoffend. His diagnoses include sexual sadism disorder, voyeuristic disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. With these alarming assessments, many share the skepticism surrounding his reintegration.
While Quarles will be monitored with GPS tracking and have on-site law enforcement at his Liberty Healthcare facility, does this truly assure the community’s safety? Many residents think not. Mary Taylor, one of his victims, unequivocally stated that he remains a “very dangerous person.” Her sentiments are echoed throughout the community, as they grapple with fear and the unpredictability of his actions, even in later age.
Survivors Speak Out
Residents are left with gaping wounds inflicted by Quarles. Cynthia Medina recounted the terrifying moment she awoke with her boyfriend to find Quarles armed with a knife in their hotel room. Her anguish is palpable as she speaks about the anger and fear his release has ignited. “It does not make you feel safe, that’s for sure,” she lamented. It’s a disheartening reality for someone who thought their nightmare had ended with the conviction.
The emotional toll on survivors like Medina can’t be underestimated. “They told me I wouldn’t have to worry about him in my lifetime,” she reminisces, illustrating a bitter truth about the promises made to victims. Despite Quarles’ extended time behind bars, the looming threat of his return remains an unnerving specter in the life of those victimized by his violence.
As the community tries to piece together a sense of normalcy, the fear and anger remain raw. The voices of survivors, including Terri Larson from the group Your Voice Has Power, challenge the local authorities. They demand transparency about what led to Quarles’s release and the conditions surrounding it. The emotional scars left on victims are evident, reminding everyone that healing takes time, and trust, once broken, is hard to regain.
Ultimately, the fear gripping this community serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding justice, rehabilitation, and community safety. The wariness of survivors and residents alike underscores a simple truth: the path to healing is fraught with obstacles, and the past can cast a long shadow over the most hopeful futures.
