EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — It was an emotional day in court Wednesday as the survivor of a sexually violent predator fought against his release in El Dorado County.
"I thought my journey ended over 30 years ago and it has just began again," said Vernese Parra, who says she is one of Bergey's victims.
The sexually violent predator was convicted back in 1993 of sex crimes with two separate minors and received an almost nine year prison sentence. After serving that time, the state deemed him a sexually violent predator in 1998.
The first public Housing Committee Meeting was held Wednesday to begin the process of finding and securing suitable housing for Bergey.
Parra tearfully explained why she doesn't believe he could be safely released in her community.
"Could you imagine walking into your local Walmart and seeing the man who attacked you? And watching him just smile as you walk by? Because I can't," said Parra.
Others chimed in with tears in their eyes, including parents, grandparents and residents who say they moved from the Bay Area to escape the crime.
"While some of these things may sound like they would work in a more utopian society, that's certainly not where we are in modern-day California," said a father of two who is also a new resident of El Dorado County.
The District Attorney's Office says El Dorado County was the last place Bergey lived before being convicted of his crimes.
Parra says she has lived a life sentence with what happened to her, and is adamant she plans to be Bergey's last victim and fight his release.
"I stood here as a child and now I stand here as a woman. He did not break me then and he will not break me now," said Parra.
The district attorney's office says while they understand a sexually violent predator is entitled to less restrictive treatment in the community, the public is also entitled to safety and security.
No decisions have been made about a release date or place. Another hearing is scheduled but that date has not finalized.
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