Thomas August Towne, 50, was convicted more than 20 years ago for sexually assaulting three women and was sentenced to 39 years in prison.
Now he’s being sent to a state mental hospital, reported the Santa Cruz Sentinel. At a hearing this week, he was classified as a “sexually violent predator”, meaning there is probably cause the offender is likely to attack again.
Towne, a former bouncer in Capitola, assaulted two massage therapists at knifepoint, and another on Opal Cliffs Beach in broad daylight.
Jailed Capitola Rapist To Be Sent To State Mental Hospital
Thomas August Towne, 50, a former Capitola bouncer, was convicted of sexually assaulting three women.
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Steve Westside April 17, 2013 at 05:11 pm
During the SUP/Kayak contest a few weeks ago there were a group of us below the end of the contest…Read More event area and after we all (Stand-up and prone paddlers) went to far into the area the organizers just pointed out that we need to stay below the judges booth. After a bit we of course all drifted further up and then someone on land announced that it is a misdemeanor to interfere with a contest. Finally, they sent a guy out to mind us and let us know to not drift above him. All very pleasant and cordial.
Except for a few surfers thought the rules did not apply to them and constantly snaked in and paddled up to grab waves. Made everyone our there grabbing a few leftover waves looking like prima donnas. Eventually those incorrigibles left and after the contest ended it was a great afternoon of surfing for everyone.
AdrianaR April 17, 2013 at 04:04 am
Is it me or does there seem to be an excessive amount of us vs them mentality and worse, anger in…Read More Santa Cruz these days? I went to a community event not too long ago and it was clearly present amongst a number of the people there, they definitely had a "this is our town not yours" vibe going on. It reminded me of the old Valley go home mentality that rears its head sometimes. I know your post was about sharing the ocean but in a more general sense that easy going chill attitude I love about Santa Cruz seems to be getting lost in too much anger and quite frankly a "Me-ism" and egocenteredness that's a big turnoff.
Dan Young April 16, 2013 at 03:45 pm
Hi, Nigel - I agree with you that there needs to be more understanding between everyone. I grew up…Read More boating (lake and ocean) in this area and was taught the 'rules of the road'. As long as everyone abides by the rules and keeps each other safe, I don't care what one rides. I agree that the announcer should have been more aware not only with expressing his personal views but he should have had the experience to see that you needed to take a certain path and were not there trying to catch waves. Ignorance on his part.
I kneeboard and body surf (yes, I can stand-up surf, also) and have had my share of run-ins over the years. I don't surf the major breaks anymore unless its really big, which thins out all but the most skilled. These days I try and find a little break away from the crowds (not an easy task) and am happy with a few little peelers here and there.
Cathy P. April 4, 2013 at 05:54 pm
When I was a teenager you were either a Beatles fan or a Stones fan, you couldn't be both ;) Let's…Read More just say I didn't become a Stones fan until my later years. That being said, I wouldn't pay any amount to see them in concert: too loud, drunk & drugged audience, and the lines are too long to the bathroom! I am glad to see they are still around even though they all are on Medicare now - rofl.
Beverly Young April 4, 2013 at 12:54 pm
A big fat 0!!!!! I couldn't stand the Rolling Stones in the 60's and I really can't stand them now.…Read More They should have retired a very long time ago.
J Roland March 1, 2013 at 04:05 pm
Unbelievable!! The Army just let him loose on the general public without a backward glance. Sounds…Read More like they had him cold on the two rapes and didn't want the hassle or bad press the prosecution would have given the Army! Well what kind of press is the Army getting now!! Tragic, really tragic that so many others were victimized by this monster when they didn't have to be! Is this really the kind of society we have become?!?!? Wake up people, it could happen to you or your loved ones!!
margaret Anderson March 1, 2013 at 05:21 am
What are the odds these two officers would be alive today had it not been for the dishonorable way…Read More the Army handled the rape allegations. Not to mention how those women felt when justice was not served. Nice going Army!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You set a fine example.