‘More Brazen Than Others’ Rapist to Be Conditionally Released in San Diego County

SAN DIEGO—A man referred to as the “bolder-than-most” rapist, who committed a series of rapes in the 1980s, has been ordered for conditional release to a temporary residence in San Diego County by a judge.

Alvin Ray Quarles, who pleaded guilty to four counts of forcible rape in 1989, completed a 25-year prison sentence and subsequently spent nearly a decade in sex offender treatment at Coalinga State Hospital.

His release falls under the conditional release program for sexually violent predators (SVPs)—those convicted of sexually violent crimes and diagnosed with a mental disorder that increases the likelihood of reoffending.

After serving their prison terms, SVPs receive treatment in state hospitals but can petition the courts to continue their care in outpatient settings, where they are monitored and required to adhere to strict conditions.

At 62, Quarles was tentatively granted conditional release nearly a year ago by San Diego County Superior Court Judge David M. Gill. However, the search for an appropriate housing situation for him failed, prompting another judge to dictate a “transient release.”

On Thursday, San Diego Superior Court Judge Marian Gaston ordered Quarles to be released by Jan. 21 at the latest to a “non-fixed residence” suggested by Liberty Healthcare, the agency managing the state’s conditional release program for SVPs. Conditions of Quarles’ release include 24/7 GPS monitoring and the presence of security or law enforcement personnel on site at all times.

The specific location of the temporary residence was not revealed during the hearing, though Liberty Healthcare was instructed to keep searching for a permanent housing option.

Finding suitable housing for SVPs has been challenging due to the numerous regulations governing their residency as well as widespread public opposition to their release. According to a state audit released earlier this year, it typically takes around 19 months to identify an appropriate SVP housing site in San Diego County.

In another instance, SVP Merle Wakefield was placed on transient status last month following a four-year quest for housing, during which proposals were either dismissed by a judge or withdrawn by state hospital officials. Wakefield was ultimately released in late November to a home in Jacumba Hot Springs on a temporary basis.

In both Quarles’ and Wakefield’s situations, judges have ruled that regardless of how their housing arrangements develop, they will not be sent back to the state hospital unless they breach the conditions of their release.

Stephen Taylor, the husband of one of Quarles’ victims, Mary Taylor, attended court to voice his opposition to Quarles’ release.

“Even though he is older now, I maintain that the potential remains for him to commit more offenses,” Taylor expressed following the hearing. “I am genuinely concerned for community members who may be at risk.”

Terri Larson, a friend of Taylor and a member of the advocacy group Your Voice Has Power, labeled Quarles “a monster,” insisting that the public deserves transparency regarding what led state hospital officials to recommend his release.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond also submitted a letter to the court advocating for Quarles to remain confined at Coalinga State Hospital.

“Allowing Mr. Quarles to re-enter our community—even with supervision—poses a danger to residents and overlooks the ongoing trauma faced by his victims,” Desmond stated in his letter.