Aptos rejects decision to place Michael Cheek in neighborhood, hearing rescheduled

 SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — UPDATE 9/14/24 7:53pm- The Santa Cruz County D.A. announces a violent sex offender will no longer be placed in Aptos.

The initial talks were to have Cheek placed at 204 Forest Drive in Aptos.

The D.A. says this will no longer happen.

The D.A. says the proposed addressed which was announced by Liberty Healthcare of California back on August 26th faced immediate backlash from the community. 

Many from the Aptos area sending in letters to not let this happen.

According to liberty’s letter to the court the homeowner of Forest Drive decided to withdraw from the rental agreement with Mr. Cheek, the property no longer available for placement. 

The D.A. says cheek will remain in a locked psychiatric facility where he will continue to receive treatment. 

The D.A. also says there's currently no new placement locations.

A public notice has been issued regarding the proposed housing of a sexually violent predator in Aptos.

Michael Thomas Cheek was convicted of kidnapping, rape and forcible oral copulation in Santa Cruz County in 1980. 

Cheek was also convicted of additional charges of rape after sexually assaulting a teen in Lake County.

The Department of State Hospitals has announced the proposed housing site for Michael Cheek at 204 Forest Drive about one mile from Seacliff State Beach.

People say they aren't happy about Cheek potentially staying around here.

"As a convicted rapist and someone who is violent, it's very concerning, especially because of all of the young kids running around," Kathy Provost Aptos resident said.

Liberty Healthcare of California with the Department of State Hospitals recommended the location back in June.

This draws more concerns from people who live in the area.

"This place is so populated that I don't believe that it's a safe place for others to have this man walking around in their neighborhood," said Provost.

Cheek served 43 years in prison and underwent mental health treatments. He was recently deemed suitable for supervised release. 

Some, however, continue to disagree.

“Our family--actually my husband--my husband's grandfather [was] murdered in his front yard in Santa Cruz during the Santa Cruz County serial killer episodes back in the 70s," said Aptos resident Nancy Perez. "We know what it's like to have a tragedy, and I would hate for any sort of tragedy to happen in this neighborhood."

We last reported on the previous attempts to place Cheek in other areas, including Bonny Doon and other counties.

"I read that he was going to be released, into the Bonny Doon area, which is north Santa Cruz County," Perez said. "Those neighbors are actually a very tight knit group of people in Bonny Doon, and said no. I don't know what the solution is as to keeping him incarcerated..."

One resident expressed her concerns about the need for more information on Cheek living in the neighborhood.

"I definitely think that the whole Aptos area should be well aware," Provost said. "Where is this person, and is there a good photo of this person, so that we can be aware of who this is and keep an eye out?"

A court hearing to review the sustainability of the Aptos location is scheduled for Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m. in department six.

Comments can be submitted to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court by email or mail through Sept. 24.