Rapist declared violent predator 12/21/12 8:20a.m. TDH

a convicted rapist and former capitola resident has been legally declared a sexually violent predator.  50-year-old thomas august towne was working as a bouncer in capitola in 1989, when he sexually assaulted at least 3-victims.   Towne was convicted of several charges in 1990, and was sentenced to 39-years in prison.  But now, ahead of parole eligibility, santa cruz county judge has declared towne at high risk of re-offending, and has ordered towne to be committed to a state mental hospital.