Kevin Coe, convicted in connection with dozens of rapes in Spokane during the late 1970s and early 1980s, was released Thursday from McNeil Island civil confinement to an adult family home in Federal Way, prompting concern among neighborhood residents.
Coe, 78 and wheelchair-bound, was transported by barge from McNeil Island to Steilacoom before being taken to register as a sex offender and then to his placement facility. He spent 25 years in prison followed by nearly two decades in civil confinement as a sexually violent predator.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services confirmed Coe will reside at Win Win Adult Family Home in Federal Way’s Laurelwood area, a facility selected by his defense attorneys.
Coe, known as the “South Hill Rapist,” is believed to have committed approximately 40 rapes and sexual assaults in Spokane. His release has generated controversy among Federal Way residents near his placement location.
Anai Pena, a neighbor living near the facility, expressed concerns about safety. “My kids, they come out and play,” Pena said. “One of my sisters works out sometimes late, so coming home late and having a sex offender right next door, it’s creepy.”
Pena also voiced concerns for other adult family home residents. “Probably not sexually, but physically, what if they touch you? It will still be sexual assault, because they are touching you without permission,” she said.
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell addressed community concerns in a Wednesday statement: “We do not have any say in the release of Kevin Coe, and we understand the sensitivity surrounding this matter. We acknowledge the community concerns regarding his potential placement in Federal Way. Mr. Coe is in his mid-70s and confined to a wheelchair. While this does not eliminate the possibility of re-offense, we are confident that his presence in Federal Way does not pose a significant public safety risk to our residents.”
Community members expressed mixed reactions, with some stating they do not want him in the neighborhood while others acknowledged he has completed his sentence but remain concerned about his presence.
The release follows legal proceedings determining Coe no longer meets criteria for continued civil confinement as a sexually violent predator, though he remains subject to sex offender registration requirements and supervision conditions.
