Rapist’s Release Barred Pending Review of Case

A Sonoma County judge has blocked the release of serial rapist George Benjamin Putney, ruling that the state must reevaluate the case under its sexually violent predator law.

Putney, 54, was convicted of four rapes and one attempted rape between 1966 and 1982. He has been committed to a state mental hospital since completing his prison term in 1996.

The state Mental Health Department recommended his release earlier this year. But a Superior Court judge said the state must review whether Putney still qualifies under the sexually violent predator law. It allows the state to keep those inmates deemed likely to attack again confined to mental facilities after they finish their prison terms.