The Latest: ‘Pillowcase rapist’ returned to mental hospital

LOS ANGELES – The Latest on the notorious “pillowcase rapist” being taken back into custody (all times local):

5:25 p.m.

The Los Angeles district attorney says the notorious “pillowcase rapist” was taken into custody and returned to a state mental hospital.

Jackie Lacey told KFI-AM on Tuesday that Christopher Hubbart had been picked up by the state and would have a hearing in 15 days.

Hubbart, who acknowledged sexually assaulting at least 40 women, was released from a psychiatric hospital in 2014 after doctors deemed him fit to leave under tight restrictions.

A spokesman for the state hospital system says he can’t confirm the identity of any patients.

Lacey is under a gag order not to discuss particulars of the case, but says Hubbart did not commit another sex offence.

A spokesman for a state assemblyman in the area says Hubbart probably violated the strict conditions of his release.

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4:45 p.m.

A state lawmaker says it appears the notorious “pillowcase rapist” was taken into custody for violating strict conditions of his release.

A spokesman for Assemblyman Tom Lackey said facts learned Tuesday indicate Christopher Hubbart was returned to the state hospital system that treats sexually violent predators.

A Department of State Hospitals spokesman says they can’t comment because of privacy laws.

Hubbart, who sexually assaulted at least 40 women, was released from a psychiatric hospital in 2014 after doctors deemed him fit to leave under tight restrictions.

He was living on the outskirts of Los Angeles County under guard and subject to GPS monitoring of his whereabouts and spot inspections of his house.

Lackey, R-Palmdale, says it’s a victory for public safety if Hubbart was locked up again.

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12:52 p.m.

A notorious serial rapist released from a psychiatric hospital two years ago is back in custody.

A spokeswoman for Los Angeles prosecutors said “pillowcase rapist” Christopher Hubbart was taken into custody Tuesday.

Hubbart has been in and out of prisons and state psychiatric hospitals since his first rape conviction in 1972. He has acknowledged raping about 40 women, using a pillowcase to muffle their screams.

The 65-year-old had been living under guard in the desert outside of Palmdale after his controversial release from a psychiatric hospital in 2014.

Prosecutors had fought his release, and angry residents of the Antelope Valley on the outskirts of Los Angeles County had protested and burned effigies outside.

No other information was immediately available about why Hubbart was picked up.