Last updated 2 months ago 
STOCKTON, CA - A sexually violent predator who was convicted of three rapes in the 1970s and 80s has been released back into San Joaquin County.
However, since Leonard Ray Elam has registered with Stockton police as a transient, his movements can't be monitored as would other registered sex predators.
"That's the law that's in place. It's a challenge for us and for all law enforcement agencies to know the people are out there and we have very little control of where they go and what they do," said Stockton Police Department spokesman Pete Smith.
Often in these situations, when sexually violent predators are released from the state, local police agencies distribute flyers with the individual's information and photograph.
This time, with Elam, information can't be distributed because he's homeless.
"Given the reports we've gotten from probation and parole, and given his criminal history, strong likelihood he's the type of person we'd let the area know he was residing there," said Smith.
Elam was convicted of rape at the age of 18. His victim was a 57-year-old woman.
Smith said because Elam is a transient, he must re-register with police once a month instead of once a year.
News/KXTV10
