Marin judge denies release for alleged stalker
A Marin County Superior Court judge denied the pretrial release of a registered sex offender accused of stalking a woman in San Rafael.
Darrien James Humphries, 25, of Vacaville allegedly accosted the woman while she was walking to work on March 19, made lewd comments, followed her and then blocked her from leaving. Humphries and the victim briefly entered the grounds of a private preschool during the encounter, police said.
The woman texted 911, and police arrested Humphries at the alleged crime scene. The woman told police she did not know Humphries.
The Marin County District Attorney’s Office charged Humphries with stalking and false imprisonment, both felonies, and a misdemeanor offense of being a registered sex offender on school property.
Humphries was ordered to register as a sex offender last year after being convicted of sexual battery in Santa Clara County.
During a hearing on Tuesday, public defender Nicole Tiger requested the defendant’s release from jail under pretrial supervision. She said her client is homeless and wants to enter a treatment program. Tiger noted that Humphries is not accused of touching the woman.
Prosecutor Patrick Patterson said Humphries had been released on community supervision before he allegedly committed the new offenses.
Judge Geoffrey Howard sided with the prosecution.
“The underlying conduct is extremely serious,” Howard said.
Humphries is scheduled to enter a plea on April 1. His bail amount at the Marin County Jail is $100,000.
Tiger declined to comment after the hearing.