Molester Paroled Outside San Diego County

State officials decided Friday to parole convicted child molester Thomas Max Hetherington to an undisclosed area outside San Diego County, acknowledging the right of his victims to keep Hetherington at least 35 miles away from them.

Three of Hetherington’s victims, backed by officials here, had pleaded with Gov. Pete Wilson to honor the victims’ right, saying they became hysterical at the thought of him being paroled near San Diego.

By state law, no violent felon can be paroled within 35 miles of a victim if the victim seeks such protection.

Hetherington, 78, convicted in 1982 of repeatedly molesting eight children at a day-care center in a rural area northeast of San Diego, will have daily contact with parole agents, who will monitor his whereabouts electronically. He also will be required to undergo psychological counseling, said Christine May, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections.

Sentenced to 21 years in prison, Hetherington was released Friday under a law that gives time off for good behavior. State officials declined to disclose his whereabouts, saying only that it is outside the county.