85-Year-Old Serial Child Molester Denied Release from State Hospital

Tags: Orange County, sexually violent predator, state hospital, criminal justice, child protection, mental health, parole, court verdict

Jury Decides to Keep Offender Confined

An Orange County jury took just an hour to reach a unanimous decision: 85-year-old Sidney Nathaniel Landau, a convicted serial child molester, will remain confined at a California state hospital. The jury found that Landau still meets the legal criteria of a sexually violent predator and is not suitable for conditional release.

Long Criminal History and Failed Rehabilitation

Landau, who was convicted in the 1980s for molesting multiple boys and later violated parole several times in the 1990s, was committed to a mental hospital under the designation of a sexually violent predator. Prosecutors argue that Landau continues to pose a danger.

“He’s still a behavioral problem,” said Orange County Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Hudson. “He’s had multiple chances and still hasn’t progressed in treatment.”

Defense Cites Age and Health Concerns

Landau’s defense attorney, Mark Kim, argued that his client’s advanced age, poor health, and chronic medical conditions significantly reduce the risk of reoffending. During the month-long trial, expert witnesses presented conflicting views—some claiming Landau was suitable for release under certain conditions.

“This is a civil case,” Kim told the jury. “Your task is to determine whether Mr. Landau continues to meet the criteria for indefinite commitment.”

Statement of Regret Falls Short

Landau, in a statement read in court, expressed remorse: “I’m sorry I did what I did to those children… I’ll never hurt another person, especially a child.” Despite this, the prosecution emphasized that Landau suffers from pedophilic disorder—a lifelong condition that poses an ongoing risk.

Hudson concluded, “This law exists to ensure that no more children become victims. It’s about protecting the community.”

Return to State Hospital Ordered

Following the verdict, Landau was taken into custody and will be transported back to the state hospital in Coalinga, where he will remain under indefinite commitment.