To the community,

Our office has received several inquiries to respond to reports that Kenneth Slayton – Jaycee Dugard’s biological father – has filed a lawsuit against her to “establish parental relationship.” Any such action by Mr. Slayton and his attorneys is greatly disconcerting.

Back in 1991, Mr. Slayton was contacted regarding the disappearance of 11 year old Jaycee Lee Dugard. At that time, Mr. Slayton showed no apparent interest or concern in the disappearance of his biological daughter.

Frankly, it’s disgusting. First, a man abducted and then forced himself upon Jaycee for 18 years. Now, her biological father seeks to force himself upon Jaycee using his attorneys and the legal system. It’s a sad commentary on our society that a man who professes that all he wants for his now 30 year old daughter is to love and protect her, and damn it, he’ll sue her for the right to do it.

Jaycee Lee Dugard is 30 years of age and has the right to decide who she meets and when.

Vern Pierson, district attorney El Dorado County