FEDERAL WAY, Wash – Just weeks into his release from a facility for sexually violent predators, the man known as the South Hill Rapist has again changed addresses.
The state sex offender registry shows Kevin Coe is now living in Federal Way.
Coe was released from the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island in early October and moved to an adult care facility in Auburn.
Auburn’s mayor was not happy with the move and is now touting his move out of the city.
“Through the quick, coordinated work of the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Indians, and engaged members of our community, Mr. Coe has since been removed from his Auburn residence and is no longer living in our city,” Mayor Nancy Backus posted on Facebook. “Their diligence and rapid action ensured that Auburn did not bear the burden of a decision on which we were never consulted. I am deeply grateful for their partnership and professionalism during what has been an unsettling and sensitive situation.”
Coe was suspected of dozens of rapes in Spokane in the 1970s and 1980s. He was ultimately convicted of just one and served 25 years at the state penitentiary in Walla Walla.
He was then declared a sexually violent predator and committed to the state facility on McNeil Island.
After 17 years there, the state says Coe no longer meets the criteria as a sexually violent predator and they no longer had probable cause to hold him.
Most of that is due to his advanced age and deteriorating health.
Coe has no restrictions on his release except to register as a sex offender.
Mayor Backus was upset because she found out about Coe’s release to her city through the media.
“This outcome isn’t about ‘kicking the can down the road’ nor should it be,” Mayor Backus said in her post. “Mr. Coe, like any individual released under state supervision, must reside somewhere — and that reality underscores why communication, coordination, and thoughtful planning are so important. Every community deserves transparency and a voice when matters of public safety are at stake.”
Coe’s new address is in the 33700 block of 38th Place in Federal Way.
Google Maps shows the area is a culdesac in a residential neighborhood with an elementary school nearby.
There are five other level two and three sex offenders living within a half mile area of that location.
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