Dangerous sex offender recently released from a State mental hospital is now living in Orange

Orange, Calif. – On July 14, 2020, the Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) issued a press release to warn the county residents of Cary Jay Smith’s release from a state mental hospital. The OCDA urged Governor Newsom to intervene and reinstate the requirement that Smith register as a sex offender. Smith is not on probation or parole and his requirement to register as a sex offender for life was removed by the State in 2005 for reasons that remain unclear.

The Orange Police Department has received information that Cary Smith has checked into an Adult Residential Facility in the area of Tustin Street and Chapman Avenue. At the direction of the State, the Orange County Health Care Agency made the recommendation for his placement at the facility. Immediately upon learning of his placement, the Orange Police Department responded to the facility and provided the house administrator with the OCDA’s press release. Against the public safety warnings from the officers, the administrator accepted Cary Smith into their facility.

The Orange Police Department immediately set up a surveillance detail and we have consistently monitored Smith since he arrived in Orange. The Orange Police Department is committed to public safety and we will do everything we can to have Cary Smith relocated. The Orange Police Department will monitor Smith and continue our collaboration with the OCDA.

WARNING: Do not contact, confront, or attempt to apprehend. Cary Jay Smith is not wanted for any crime. He is not on probation or parole and he is not a sex registrant per CPC 290.